Ancient Matsya Tribe of Assam: Fishermen’s Timeless Culture

Travel has its own magic, but when it leads you into the heart of an ancient Matsya tribe that has lived with water and fish for thousands of years, the experience becomes unforgettable. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to visit one such fishermen tribe in Assam, often called the Matsya Desh—the land of fish. This community has preserved its rich fishing culture and traditions, passed down from generations, and even finds mention in ancient texts like the Kalika Purana.

The first king of this Matsya Desh was Raja Deveshwar, ruling the undivided Kamrup region of Lower Assam, which now stretches across several districts. Today, some of their villages still thrive alongside rivers and ponds, holding on tightly to their ancient fishing way of life. Among these are the Jalket and Nodiyal tribes, whose culture and rituals fascinated me deeply.

Ancient Matsya Tribe of Assam: Journey into the Land of Fish and Water

Arrival at the Water Village

When I reached one such riverside village, I was immediately struck by how life here revolves around water. Houses are built close to the riverbanks, boats are the main mode of transport, and every face carries stories of the water. The village seemed to breathe in rhythm with the flowing river.

That day, I was lucky to witness the Mans Dhora Nritya—the Fishing Dance—a spectacular cultural ritual where the tribe beautifully narrates their history, daily life, and connection to the water through vibrant dance and music.

The Sacred Beginning: Bheldia Jwal Puja

The day started early with the sacred Bheldia Jwal Puja. Here, the community constructs a small raft called a bhel, adorned with offerings like pigeons, duck eggs, first catch fish, and other puja materials. This is offered to the water deity as a mark of respect and gratitude for the river’s blessings.

The air was thick with the sound of traditional songs, drums, and chants. It was a moment of reverence and hope, as everyone prayed for a bountiful fishing season.

Celebration of Fishing Traditions

With the puja completed, the celebration began in full swing. The villagers demonstrated their age-old fishing techniques that I had only read about in books.

The young men held kors—special fishing spears—used skillfully to catch fish.
The women carried woven bamboo baskets called dakh to trap fish in the shallow waters.
On their waists, they tied bamboo containers called kuk, where the caught fish were safely stored.

There were different fishing methods on display—asla jal (net fishing) and jati jal (trap fishing). Watching these techniques was like stepping into a living museum of traditional skills, still thriving in the modern world.

The Art of Drying Fish

One highlight was learning about how the tribe dries fish in the sun, a method both practical and healthier. Sun drying fish produces fewer carcinogens compared to smoking or frying, ensuring the community enjoys nutritious food.

Later, women were seen selling fish by the riverside market—an essential part of their livelihood and social life.

Life on Boats and Folk Songs

The boat is central to this fisherman’s life. On the river, I saw men rowing skillfully, singing folk songs that echoed across the water. One popular song described the joys and struggles of a fisherman’s life—the painstaking craft of net making, the thrill of catching fish, and the everyday banter among villagers.

The women teased the men in playful dances, and laughter filled the air. It was a perfect blend of hard work and celebration.

Evening Festivities and Traditional Martial Arts

After a long day, the villagers gathered for evening festivities by the riverbank—singing, dancing, and feasting. Their traditional dholiya (drums) and dhulia (folk songs) set a joyful mood.

One remarkable event was the display of Homor, a traditional martial art form. Historically, young men were sent to dormitories where they learned fishing, combat, and self-defense to protect their kingdom and community.

In the 11th century, during a rebellion known as Koi Bor, this martial art played a vital role in defending against king’s policies. Today, it survives as a vibrant dance performance, sometimes even including daring feats like walking on broken glass—symbolizing their ancient shamanistic beliefs where shamans would demonstrate their powers by eating raw meat or walking on naked swords.

The Bamboo Worship: Porala Festival

The day ended with the fascinating Porala or bamboo worship ceremony. Bamboo holds deep spiritual significance for the tribe. It is worshipped as a symbol of Shiva’s lingam and fertility, prosperity, and protection of the village.

A bamboo stalk is planted in the temple and later in each home, symbolizing life and abundance. Every family ties a sacred gamcha cloth around it and performs dances around the bamboo.

At night, the bamboo is ceremoniously taken back to the temple for puja, then broken into pieces distributed among villagers to be placed in their homes, fields, and cattle sheds—warding off evil and bringing good luck.

Traditional Flavors of the Fishermen Tribe

After witnessing such rich cultural festivities, my hunger grew. The villagers invited me to savor their local cuisine, cooked with traditional methods and fresh river fish.

Instead of plates, they served food on banana leaf plates—an eco-friendly tradition. The dishes were simple yet delicious:

Fish cooked with sesame, boiled gently without frying.
Gore Maas—a unique smoked and barbecued fish marinated with onions, leaves, and chilies.
Another fish delicacy wrapped in banana leaf and steamed with aromatic herbs.
Fresh okra and steamed rice completed the wholesome meal.

Eating this food by the riverside, surrounded by music and laughter, was an unforgettable experience—true flavors of a community deeply connected to their land and water.

This journey into the heart of Assam’s ancient fishermen tribe was more than a travel experience; it was a walk through time, witnessing how traditions survive and thrive in the modern age. Their culture, rituals, and spirit taught me the meaning of living in harmony with nature.

If you ever want to explore a world where water is life and every fish tells a story, visit Assam’s Matsya Desh. Follow me, ShivaTells, for more stories that bring India’s tribal cultures to life.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Matsya Tribe Villages in Assam

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal season. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the festivals and fishing rituals without the heavy monsoon rains.
How to Reach: The Matsya tribe villages are located in Lower Assam’s Kamrup region. The nearest major city is Guwahati. From Guwahati, you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to the villages near the Brahmaputra riverbanks.
Local Guide: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They help you understand the fishing culture, rituals, and traditional dances in detail and also help with language barriers.
Respect Traditions: The tribe’s customs and rituals are sacred. Always ask for permission before taking photos or joining their ceremonies.
Accommodation: Homestays or guesthouses in nearby towns offer authentic experiences. Staying with local families can give you a deeper insight into their daily life.
What to Carry: Light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a good camera.
Food: Don’t miss tasting the local traditional fish dishes prepared in healthy ways like steaming and smoking.
Connectivity: Mobile network might be weak in remote villages, so plan accordingly.
Safety: The riverbanks can be slippery and uneven, so take care while walking around, especially during the fishing expeditions.
Eco-friendly Travel: Help preserve their natural environment by avoiding plastic and leaving no trace behind.

Exploring this unique Matsya tribe culture will be a soulful and enriching experience. Keep an open heart and immerse yourself fully in their world — it’s a journey you’ll never forget!

Conclusion

Meeting the Matsya tribe of Assam was like stepping into a living story from thousands of years ago—a world where traditions flow as deeply as the rivers they live by. Their rich fishing culture, vibrant dances, and heartfelt rituals showed me the true meaning of harmony between humans and nature. Watching their celebrations, sharing their food, and hearing their songs made me realize how precious it is to preserve such ancient heritage in today’s fast-changing world.

This journey was not just about exploring a tribe, but about connecting with a way of life that honors the water, the fish, and the community spirit. If you ever get the chance, visit these beautiful villages and experience their magical world firsthand. It will leave you inspired, grateful, and filled with stories to cherish forever.

So, until the next adventure—keep exploring, keep learning, and keep the spirit of travel alive.

Ancient Matsya Tribe of Assam: Journey into the Land of Fish and Water

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