Deepor Beel Folklore

Domain:Oral traditions and expressions

State: Assam

Description:

Deepor Beel is a wetland situated in Assam inhabited by tribes who practice their distinct folklore and ways of life. One thousand and two hundred families of the fourteen villages around Deepor Beel depend directly or indirectly on the wetland’s natural resources for their livelihood. The main inhabitants around the Deepor Beel site are the Karbi communities whose economic and socio-cultural lives are deeply integrated with the natural environment. The folklore of these tribes and various customs and rituals such as Johong puja are based on recounting the beauty and importance of the environment including the wetland. In addition to fishing which is the major economic activity, other traditional activities like grazing, farming and gathering also generate income to sustain livelihood. Community fishing is an important characteristic of the socio-economic fabric of the people living around Deepor Beel. The Karbi communities, through their traditions, culture, customs and rituals, emphasize the importance of nature and the environment. Their chief deities include Johong (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Bhagawati (Parvati).