Tusu Puja in Assam is a colorful harvest festival celebrated with devotion and joy by the tea garden communities and rural populations. Dedicated to Goddess Tusu, this festival symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the gratitude of farmers after a good harvest. It takes place on the last day of the Assamese month Poush (around mid-January), coinciding with Makar Sankranti.
During the festival, women sing traditional Tusu songs and decorate bamboo structures known as Chordals, representing the goddess. These are later immersed in rivers amid music, dancing, and prayers for abundance. The celebration also includes vibrant local fairs, cultural performances, and community gatherings that strengthen social unity.
Though deeply rooted in Assam’s tea-tribe culture, Tusu Puja is also observed in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. In Assam, it reflects the region’s agrarian heritage, folk art, and spiritual traditions, making it a major cultural attraction each January.
Quick Info Table on Tusu Puja (Tusu Festival)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Festival Name | Tusu Puja (Tusu Festival) |
| Deity Worshipped | Goddess Tusu |
| Celebrated In | Assam (mainly tea garden regions) |
| Main Communities | Tea tribes and rural Assamese communities |
| Time of Celebration | Last day of Poush (mid-January) |
| Coincides With | Makar Sankranti |
| Key Rituals | Singing Tusu songs, making Chordals, river immersion |
| Cultural Elements | Folk dance, fairs, community feasts |
| Regions Beyond Assam | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha |
| Significance | Thanksgiving for harvest and prosperity |
FAQs with Short Answers
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What is Tusu Puja?
Tusu Puja is a harvest festival in Assam dedicated to Goddess Tusu, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.
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When is Tusu Puja celebrated in Assam?
It is observed on the last day of the Assamese month Poush, usually around mid-January.
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Who celebrates Tusu Puja in Assam?
It is mainly celebrated by the tea garden communities and rural tribal groups.
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Which goddess is worshipped during Tusu Puja?
The festival honors Goddess Tusu, representing a bountiful harvest.
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What is the meaning of the word ‘Tusu’?
The name “Tusu” comes from “Tush,” meaning rice bran in Bengali.
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What rituals are performed during Tusu Puja?
Devotees sing folk songs, build decorated bamboo structures, and immerse them in rivers.
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Why is river immersion part of Tusu Puja?
It symbolizes the conclusion of harvest celebrations and offering gratitude to nature.
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What are Chordals in Tusu Puja?
Chordals are decorated bamboo and paper structures representing Goddess Tusu.
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How long does the Tusu Puja celebration last?
It is celebrated throughout the month with songs, fairs, and rituals, ending on the Poush Sankranti day.
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Where is Tusu Puja most popular in Assam?
It is widely celebrated in tea garden regions of upper and lower Assam.
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Is Tusu Puja linked to Makar Sankranti?
Yes, both fall on the same day, marking the winter harvest season.
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Do men participate in Tusu Puja?
While women lead rituals and songs, men take part in fairs and cultural events.
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What kind of fairs are held during Tusu Puja?
Rural fairs with food, crafts, and cultural performances are common.
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Is Tusu Puja celebrated outside Assam?
Yes, it’s also celebrated in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
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Why is Tusu Puja important for Assam’s culture?
It preserves tribal traditions, folk music, and the spirit of agrarian life.
