Asur, who mourn during Durga Puja

(Today I begin a month‑long virtual tour across India, exploring places known for unusual customs, practices, and mysterious phenomena. Each day of the month, except the four Sundays, I will share a blog post about one of these remarkable sites. Here is the first of 26 posts.)

The Asur people are a small Austroasiatic ethnic group and are officially recognized as one of India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). They identify themselves as the world’s ancient metallurgists who provided the iron that allowed human civilization to advance.

Claiming descent from the "Asuras" mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literature, they speak Asur (or Asuri), a language belonging to the Munda family that is currently listed as an endangered language by UNESCO.

(Asuras are a class of powerful, demigods known for their opposition to the gods.)

DURGA PUJA

A cultural troupe of the Asur community.
Image courtesy: The Indian Express

One of the most distinct cultural traits of the Asur people is their perspective on Durga Puja. 

Durga Puja is a major 10-day Hindu festival celebrated in September-October, honouring Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. 

While much of India celebrates this festival, the Asur community mourns during this period. This practice stems from their belief that Mahishasura was their benevolent ancestor.

The former chief minister of Jharkhand Shibu Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party opposed the burning of effigy of Raavan, a very common practice on Dasara (the 10th day of the festival) all across India, and he refused to take part in programmes.

THEIR HABITAT 

Sushma Asur, a poet. Outlook

The Asur predominantly inhabit the state of Jharkhand. Their population is concentrated in the districts of Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar. They are also found in Bihar and West Bengal. Based on the 2011 census, their population is estimated to be approximately 33,000. 

Traditionally, the Asur were primitive iron-smelters, using indigenous furnaces to create high-quality metal, a craft they associated with fertility and ancient wisdom. Historically, they also engaged in hunting, gathering, and shifting agriculture. However, modern industrialization and the loss of forest control have forced a shift in their economy. Today, the vast majority are classified as cultivators. 

Due to bauxite mining on their ancestral lands, many community members have also transitioned into working as daily wage labourers in the mining sector.

COUNTER-NARRATIVE

Asur's version of history is a fascinating "counter-narrative" passed down through oral traditions. By choosing to remember their hero while the world cheers his downfall, the Asurs offer a rare, unusual glimpse into the diversity of Indian belief.

(Information sources: International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, Asur Adivasi Wisdom Akhra, India Today, Wikipedia)

(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026)

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox

Powered by