Folklore is the collection of traditional beliefs and stories of a community passed from one generation to another by word of mouth.
'Folk' means regional people and 'lore' means stories; of which Assam as a land is a rich repository.
Its tales, music, dance, legends, oral history, and traditions have been passed through generations, serving as an integral part of the state's cultural fabric.
Assam boasts a rich tapestry of folklore that weaves together the unique cultures, traditions and beliefs of its diverse communities.
These living memories of land provide a window into the soul of Assam and its people.
The diverse communities in Assam, such as Bodo, Mising, Karbi etc. contribute to their own distinctive stories, myths and traditions bound by a thread of togetherness.
These narratives often celebrate nature, rivers and the cycle of life, reflecting the close connection between the people of Assam and their environment.
Assamese folklore is rich with mythical beings and legendary heroes who embody the values and beliefs of the region.
Myths such as Ghorapak, Jokhini etc. as well as figures like Lachit Barphukan, the revered general who fought against Mughal forces, are integral parts of Assamese folklore.
We have been hearing these stories from our grandmothers and other members of our community since our childhood.
These stories have been helping children from the region gain a better understanding of their own heritage.
As much folklore contains moral lessons and ethical values, it's an important aspect of teaching important principles to children, stimulating a child's imagination and creativity at the same time.
This folklore in one way or another incorporates elements of nature and environment, and familiarity with the roots and has been playing a positive and enriching role in a child's development in Assam.
However, in a rapidly modernizing world, Assam's folklore faces the risk of fading into obscurity.
This is where the transformative influence of digital media comes into play.
The tales and traditions that were once confined to rural spaces of Assam now reach a global audience through digital media.
The oral traditions of storytelling, such as 'Ojapali'; and visual representations such as 'Putola Nach' have been struggling to withstand the test of time.
Digital media gives us the opportunity to bring these tales and traditions to the global stage which can breathe new life into the age-old narratives.
Preserving traditional cultural practices and sticking with them in the rapidly changing technological modern world is an ongoing challenge.
With the rise of global connectivity, our daily lives at present are often characterized by technology-driven convenience and constant stimulation.
As we evolve, we are experiencing a significant shift in communication methods, family dynamics, gender roles, career paths and even religious practices.
When it comes to preserving traditional cultural practices, passing on knowledge is the key.
It will be a precious way for the younger generations to come to learn about their heritage through stories, interactive activities and educational materials.
Our ancestors relied heavily on oral traditions to preserve their cultural heritage.
Written correspondence was a privilege reserved only for the wealthy and educated few.
Many of the cherished beliefs and customs can be forgotten or lost altogether if they are not actively preserved.
While technology has given us new ways to communicate, it is up to our ability to forge a meaningful legacy and honour our roots.
In many cases, this could be done by incorporating some traditional elements while also modernizing in certain ways.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution could power in giving strength to the exposition of Assamese mythical beings and legendary heroes and attract the younger generation with the awe and inspiring narratives they hold within them.
From Facebook and Twitter to Instagram and WhatsApp, social media influences every aspect of our lives.
Blogs, YouTube videos, Reels etc. have been playing a major role in introducing us to so many unknown facts and stories around the world.
Creating visual appeal and popularizing Assam’s Folklore in social media can usher in the desired outcome.
We can provide an unprecedented level of integration through audiobooks wherein one can share anecdotes and experiences related to cultural heritage.
People can listen to the expressive narrators using smartphones even if they are at the gym, walking the dog, doing housework, driving or standing in line at the grocery!
Computer-based art has become a new phenomenon in producing digital versions of visual illustrations.
We should encourage digital artists who incorporate Assamese themes into their work and support their creative process that reflects the cultural diversity and beauty of Assam.
Exploring the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in a cultural context can be a great tool for revolutionizing the embodiment of our own Assamese superhero.
Recently the creation of an AI art series by some youths has taken the evergreen folk tales of the Assamese literary icon, Lakshminath Bezbarua to global readers.
The stories have been taken from the book ‘Burhi Aair Xadhu’ (grandmother’s folktales) and the characters are given digital shapes using AI, photoshop, and sketches.
Presently a dedicated group from Assam is crafting the region’s inaugural indigenous superhero Mahabahu.
This heroic figure is devoted to safeguarding the Brahmaputra River and its adjacent ecosystem.
Leveraging his extraordinary abilities, Mahabahu engages in a battle against environmental pollution, unlawful activities, and natural disasters that jeopardize the river and the communities it nurtures.
To put forward this educational initiative, we can utilize Mahabahu as a central figure in an immersive game designed to impart the values, ethos, and folklore intrinsic to our land to the new generation.
A prominent challenge in terms of research is the death of community elders and in the context of Assam, there are very few well-researched literature available on folk tradition.
As most of the traditions are transmitted orally, our new generation become unaware of folklore.
Creating virtual museums and online exhibits to showcase Assamese artefacts, traditional clothing and cultural practices can be accessible to a global audience.
Technology integration like exploring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can also create immersive experiences related to Assamese culture.
Developing mobile apps that provide users with interactive tools to engage with Assamese traditions and creating computer games on legends of Assamese folklore are also some potential approaches for giving a robust support system to nurture our fables and oral history.
While ethical concerns exist, transcending the traditional confines of art and culture to allow exploration of cultural heritage is undeniable.
The digital renaissance can be promising to experience the richness of our past in new and immersive ways.
As we move forward, we must embrace this new era with a balanced perspective for ensuring the longevity of Assam’s intangible heritage practices and cultural preservation in an extraordinary course of action.
(All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)