Eri culture an indispensable tradition of the Dimasas of Dima Hasao, Assam

The paper provides information on the potentiality and economic sustainability of eri culture in the Dima Hasao district that remains a part and parcel of the Dimasa tradition. The study was conducted from January, 2020 -April, 2022 following semi-structured interview and household surveys. Eri culture serve as an indispensable traditional household activity of the region which has been practised since ages. However, due to lack of proper means of communication the region has remained underexplored. Hence, no detailed study has been undertaken on eri culture among the Dimasas in Dima Hasao district, Assam. Spinning of eri cocoon to yield fine yarn depicts an indispensable part of the Dimasa culture. Eri yarn symbolises the cultural identity of the Dimasas. The study revealed the importance of eri culture in augmenting livelihood by generating additional income to the ethnic people. The study enhances the need to preserve the vital natural resource of the region for preservation of the cultural tradition and sustainable socio-economic development of the region.