Assam GK Topic

Major Festivals Celebrated By The Deori Tribe In Assam – Bisu, Deo Puja, And Sawania Puja Explained

The Deori community of Assam, one of the oldest indigenous tribes of the state, celebrates several unique festivals that blend religious devotion, agricultural traditions, and community unity. Their major festivals — Bisu, Deo Puja, and Sawania Puja — hold deep cultural and spiritual importance, marking seasonal transitions and social harmony.
Major Festivals Celebrated By The Deori Tribe In Assam – Bisu illustration

Use this topic to revise for APSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.

Detailed Notes

Bisu Festival of the Deori community

The Bisu Festival is the grandest celebration among the Deoris, beginning on the first Wednesday of Bohag (mid-April). Considered both a secular and religious festival, preparations begin a month earlier during the Chot month. On the first day, the Deoris worship their deity Kundi-Mama (Hara-Gauri) with the sacrifice of thirteen fowls at the village shrine or sal.

The entire community participates in night-long dancing, singing, and rituals, followed by a communal bath in the river. The following days are filled with joy, song, and dance at the Marang house, celebrating fertility, prosperity, and unity. Unlike other Assamese communities, the Deoris avoid Sankranti days, considering Wednesday and Thursday auspicious.

Deo Puja of the Deori community

The Deo Puja is the most sacred ritual of the Deori community, held on the third Wednesday after the Deori Bihu begins. It involves the sacrifice of goats, pigeons, and chickens as offerings to their deities. The entire ceremony is led by the Bor Deori (chief priest), and the success of the sacrifices is considered a divine sign for community well-being. The event reinforces the tribe’s unity and devotion to ancestral gods.

Sawania Puja of the Deori community

The Sawania Puja, observed during the month of Sawun (July–August), marks the closing of the Thanghar (village prayer house) until the Magh month. A goat is sacrificed during this ceremony, and the ritual symbolizes purification and rest for the spiritual space. It’s also known as Cipere Giduwa Puja, meaning “closing of the doors,” indicating a sacred pause before the next agricultural cycle begins.

Cultural Significance of the Deori community

Each of these festivals reflects the Deori people’s deep connection with nature, agriculture, and spirituality. Through music, dance, rituals, and offerings, the Deoris preserve their ancestral identity while spreading messages of unity, purity, and gratitude to nature.

FAQs with Short Answers

  1. What is the main festival of the Deori community?
    The main festival is Bisu, celebrated in mid-April.

  2. When is the Bisu Festival held?
    On the first Wednesday of Bohag, marking the Assamese New Year.

  3. Which deity is worshipped during Bisu?
    The Deoris worship Kundi-Mama (Hara-Gauri) during Bisu.

  4. What rituals take place during Bisu?
    Singing, dancing, animal sacrifices, and community bathing rituals.

  5. What is the Deo Puja?
    It’s the most sacred worship involving sacrifices to village deities.

  6. When does Deo Puja occur?
    On the third Wednesday after Deori Bihu begins.

  7. What is offered during Deo Puja?
    Goats, pigeons, and chickens are offered in sacrifice.

  8. What is Sawania Puja?
    A ritual in Sawun month, marking the closing of the Thanghar until Magh.

  9. Why are Wednesdays important in Deori culture?
    They are considered auspicious days for worship and celebration.

  10. How do these festivals preserve Deori culture?
    By maintaining rituals, songs, and community unity, passed down generations.