ASSAM: PLACES TO VISIT
This northeastern state of India produces a substantial portion of the total tea production of India and over half of her petroleum. The state had been reduced substantially in size when the new states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura were carved out of Assam.
ASSAM STATE STATS:
| Area: 78,550 sq. km (30,330 sq. miles) | Rank: 16th |
| POPULATION (2011): 31,169,272 | Rank: 14th |
| CAPITAL CITY: Dispur | |
| LITERACY RATE: 73.18% | Rank: 26th |
| HDI: | |
| OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Assamese | |
| Official Website: www.assam.gov.in |
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 ASSAM LOCATOR MAP |
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NORTH CENTRAL: Kaziranga National Park
FESTIVALS
Bihu:
This is a set of three important Assamese festivals —Rongali or Bohag Bihu observed in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu observed in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu observed in January. The Rongali Bihu is the most important of the three, celebrating spring festival, with an impact on agriculture and crops. There is feasting, music, and dancing. Some hang brass, silver, and copper pots on poles in front of their house, children wearing flower garlands and greeting passers-by. The origin of Bihu can be traced to a mix of cultures of Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman, and Indo-Aryans.
Ambubachi Mela:
An annual Hindu Mela is celebrated at the Kamakhya temple during the monsoon season when the sun transits to the zodiac of Mithuna and Brahmaputra is in spate. It is associated with the Tantric Shakti cult prevalent in eastern parts of India. Temple remains closed for three days since it is believed that the deity is having her menstruation, after which she is bathed and rituals are performed. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, even foreigners come from many areas to receive the blessings.
Baishagu:
(April)
The Baishagu Festival is celebrated with great excitement in the state of Assam; it is popular for its multitude of colors and high spirits. Baishagu is usually celebrated by the tribe of Boro Kacharis and is the most awaited festival of the Boros. Several programs are scheduled, with the worship of the cow, the young people bowing down to their parents and elders, Lord Shiva being worshipped with chicken and rice beer, and people joining in the Baishagu dance. It is the celebration of the arrival of spring in April.
STATE SYMBOLS: (COURTESY WIKIPEDIA)
| State animal | Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) |  |
| State bird | White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) |  |
| State flower | Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) |  |
| State tree | Hollong Tree (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus) | |
| State Seal |  |
OTHER PLACES AND USEFUL FACTS:
Talatal Gher: Palace built by King Rudra Singha (1696-1714), 6km from Sibsagar
Assam produces a substantial portion of total tea production of India and over ½ of her petroleum
Assam receives over 120 inches of rain per year
TOURIST INFORMATION:
Phone# 91-361-2547102/ 2542748
Fax: 91-361-2547102
Website: www.assamtourism.org/contact.htm
Assam government website: assam.gov.in (http://assam.gov.in/)
ASSAM CUISINE
SIGNATURE DISHES OF ASSAM
ASSAMESE THALI
MASOR TENGA
"KHAR" REC 
DHEAKIYASAK AND OUTENGA
PUMPKIN OAMBAL
CABBAGE KOFTA CURRY
ASSAM LAKSA
FRIED FISH RICE
