THE ROLE OF RITUALS AND FESTIVALS IN PRESERVING TIWA HERITAGE WITHIN THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This paper aims to establish the significance of the rituals and festivals in the conservation of the culture and values of the Tiwa community in relation to the IKS system in India. The Tiwa’s, an indigenous tribe of Assam India have been part of old age civilization with vast cultural background rooted in their festivals and ceremonies like Junbeel Mela and other agricultural rituals. These traditions serve as cultural expressions and vehicles for the transmission of traditional knowledge, ensuring that the values, beliefs, and customs of the Tiwa community are passed on to future generations. The Indian Knowledge System, with its holistic understanding of knowledge, culture, and society, provides a platform for examining how the Tiwa community navigates modern challenges while preserving its heritage. The concept of knowledge in the Indian Knowledge System can be represented and facilitates the exploration of how the Tiwa community faces modernity and still maintains its cultural values. This study draws on ethnographic research to demonstrate how these rituals and festivals act as mediums for cultural preservation and resilience, enabling the Tiwa to maintain their identity in the face of modernization and socioeconomic shifts.