HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Jan 15: Dehing Tea Estate in Margherita marked the Golden Jubilee of Tusu Puja, celebrating 50 years of uninterrupted observance of the festival that reflects the cultural identity, agrarian roots and collective spirit of Assam’s Tea Tribes community.
Tusu Puja, one of the most important festivals of the Tea Tribes, is closely linked to the agricultural calendar and is observed after the harvest season, when crops are safely stored, symbolising prosperity after months of labour.
The festival is dedicated to Mother Tusu, believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva, and is observed as an expression of gratitude for protecting crops from pests, natural adversities and other threats.
Community elders and members of the Tusu Puja Celebration Committee said the residents of Dehing Tea Estate under Tinsukia district have been observing the festival since 1976, making this year’s celebrations especially significant.
They noted that the tradition has been passed down through generations, strengthening bonds of faith and unity within the community.
The two-day festival, held annually on January 14 and 15, witnessed participation from Hindu families of the Tea Tribes community residing in the estate.
Rituals, devotional offerings, folk songs and traditional dances formed an integral part of the celebrations, reflecting the cultural essence of the community.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations featured an elaborate programme with colourful cultural performances and collective rituals, highlighting the enduring heritage of the Tea Tribes.
Community leaders said the occasion not only reaffirmed religious traditions but also showcased the social and cultural resilience of tea garden communities, whose festivals continue to serve as a vital expression of identity, harmony and continuity in the region.






