The folklore of Assam is a vibrant reflection of the state’s cultural diversity, shaped by communities such as the Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Ahom, and many others. Rooted in oral tradition, Assamese folklore includes myths, legends, folktales, ballads, proverbs, riddles, and ritual songs passed down through generations.
One of the most significant aspects of Assamese folklore is its connection to nature. The mighty Brahmaputra River, lush forests, and hills often appear in stories as living forces. Popular folktales feature characters like Tejimola, a symbol of patience and resilience, and stories of magical creatures, spirits, and village heroes.
Festivals such as Bihu are deeply tied to folklore, expressed through traditional songs (Bihu geet), dances, and rituals celebrating agricultural life. The devotional songs and dramas introduced by the saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardev also enriched Assamese cultural traditions.
Overall, the folklore of Assam preserves the region’s history, beliefs, moral values, and close relationship with nature, serving as a living link between the past and present.
Folklore Society of Assam: It is a registered society under the Societies Registration ACT XXI of1860. This society was established in 1969 and the founder president was Prof. Prafulla Dutta Goswami, doyen of Folklore in the country.
Folklore Society of Assam is an academic body engaged in research on different issues of folklore in north east India in general and Assam in particular. The society has been engaged in the study, collection, preservation, documentation and publication of folklore materials such as songs, tales, rites, riddles, proverbs, folk idioms etc. of this region. The Society has published a good number of books authored by renowned folklorists along with high academic repute journal titled “Janakristi” which is published regularly by the Society.