Tiwas, also known as Lalungs, are the aboriginal tribes of north-eastern states. Normally they inhabit areas in
Assam and
Meghalaya. The tribe members belong to the Mongoloid stock.
Traditionally, the community has a tribal chief known as ‘king’. The womenfolk are good weavers. Influenced by Hinduism, they worship God Pha, which means 'father'. They follow the cult of poly-demonism.
An important tradition of this tribe is the training provided for the youths in the subject of arts and crafts, and musical lore. It takes place in a dormitory called samadi.
The Bodo and Lalung are the two distinctive languages spoken. This agricultural community uses the slash and burn method for farming. Their houses are made of reeds and bamboo with thatched roofs. Some of them built their homes with sheet roofing.
Besides celebrating a number of festivals, they perform pujas connected with spring and fertility. Tiwas perform their traditional dances during the Jonbeel Mela, a festival held every year in the winter.
