Rabha tribe is a primitive community, who inhabit areas in
Assam and
Meghalaya. The tribe is famous for its folklores. The original name of the Rabhas was Koss or Koch.
The tribe members are classified into two groups namely the Rangdaniya and the Maitoria. Agriculture is their traditional source of livelihood. Hence they give more importance to the nature in their folklores and life altogether.
The community members live in two-roofed houses, which look like a Deori or Mishing house. They speak a distinctive language known as the Rabha language, a blend of Assamese and the Burmese language. Monogamy appears to be the general rule among the Rabhas.
The Marugeet is a long devotional song sung during Khaksi Puja, the late spring festival of this tribe. They also celebrate the Baikhu Festival (a large fertility festival) and Farkhanthi Festival, in the memory of their ancient dead kings.
