Assam's tea culture is deeply rooted in history, tradition, and community life. Tea gardens in the state stretch across the lush valleys, where the industry has thrived ever since the British colonial era. It is a cherished symbol of Assamese culture, hospitality and heritage. This legacy, emphasizing Assam's tea beyond a beverage - into art, culture, and pride is celebrated by initiatives like the Folk Tea Festival, which is more than just an event. It’s a movement to create a soft narrative around tea, something that’s been missing for years.
And good news is that Folk Tea Festival is back! Once again, the festival will be held from November 29 to December 1, 2024 at Hatipoti Tea Estate in Biswanath Chariali, Assam. The event will focus on practical and relevant issues, such as climate change and pest management, which are critical challenges for small growers.
In a recent interview with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East (BNE), Mrinal Talukdar, the mind behind Assam's annual Folk Tea Festival, delved into the origins, growth, and cultural impact of the unique event over the past four years. Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Interview: Q&A
BNE: Firstly, tell us how has the 'Folk Tea Festival' evolved since its inception four years ago?
Mrinal Talukdar: What started as a amateur, organic movement has evolved significantly. After COVID, there was a renewed desire for connection, which inspired a blend of cultural activities, camping, and traditional music. Originally called 'Bowl at Them' for its focus on Baul music, the event evolved into 'Folk Tea Festival' as more elements like Jhumur, Bihu, Bodo, and performances by local bands were added. It’s an ever-evolving initiative, adapting each year in response to new ideas and community interests.
BNE: What’s the concept behind the 'Folk Tea Festival'?
Mrinal Talukdar: Well, as a television anchor, writer, and author, I have a panoramic view of the tea industry from various angles. My journey with tea began as a small grower around 2008-09, and I observed that the tea industry, despite its rich heritage, focuses mainly on profit and loss. Unlike other regions - for example Japan with sushi or champagne with its sparkling wine, tea lacks a cultural story. Even in Assam, tea still lacks the trendy appeal that coffee shops enjoy. The Folk Tea Festival is an effort to change that - highlighting the cultural heritage of tea beyond economic aspects, with every small step contributing to a broader narrative.
BNE: Your festival goes beyond profit or politics, highlighting culture, folk traditions, and unique tea garden experiences. Why this focus?
Mrinal Talukdar: The Folk Tea Festival blends culture, tourism, and culinary experiences with a sense of adventure, offering a unique camping experience within a tea garden - an alternative to more commercial options in Assam. Guests can enjoy panoramic estate views and, hopefully, distant mountain glimpses. For those seeking comfort, nearby hotels provide flexibility. The festival celebrates Assam’s diverse traditions through traditional Assamese music and performances from indigenous communities. Building on last year’s success with Baul music, this year promises an even richer cultural experience.
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BNE: What makes this experience stand out? What are the key attractions and activities for visitors?
Mrinal Talukdar: Our three-day program offers something unique each day. Fridays welcome locals with free entry for community engagement in a serene, lamp-lit setting, featuring a sky lantern ceremony and local music. Saturdays kick off with an adventurous 45-50 km trek to Nomura. With all the off-road experiences and photo stops, it can take about two and a half hours. After lunch and rest, guests can join interactive sessions with local tourism experts. In the afternoon, they can participate in a rare traditional tea ceremony, delving into the rich heritage of tea through storytelling and authentic brewing.
In the evening, local artists perform. They share stories behind Bhupen Hazarika’s songs. This experience goes beyond music, connecting audiences to the roots and emotions of each song. To maintain an organic experience, we keep our setup minimal, allowing nature to enhance the acoustic atmosphere. On Sunday, a guided tea trail at 6:30 AM explores tea's history, followed by a traditional Assamese breakfast, a live cooking demo, and cultural activities like cockfighting offering visitors a deeper connection to Assam’s heritage.
BNE: What's new about 'Folk Tea Festival' this time around?
Mrinal Talukdar: This year, we're introducing a small shopping arcade highlighting innovative products from startups and local entrepreneurs. Visitors can find ready-to-eat smoked chicken, unique tea-based items like tea mist, and curated high-quality teas available around the clock. The arcade aims to promote creative offerings centered on tea culture, making it a hub for discovering distinct, locally-crafted products.
BNE: What is the expected number of visitors this time, and what is the ticket price?
Mrinal Talukdar: The event expects around 1,500 to 2,000 attendees, making exact counts difficult due to limited lighting in certain areas. Spanning 85 bighas, the festival features a tea garden and diverse activities. Tickets are priced at Rs. 500 per day, granting access to a wide range of experiences to visitors.
BNE: Are you partnering with the tourism department or any other organizations for this event?
Mrinal Talukdar: Yes, we have collaborations in place. We've received support from the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and India Tourism. Last year, we had the support of ITDC, and this time, they’ve recognized the potential of our event. They see the value in what we’re doing, and that’s why we’ve been in discussions about formalizing this association. We’re promoting local culture, and we're hopeful that this partnership will be beneficial for everyone involved.
BNE: What are your thoughts on this festival and its impact on the local economy? How do you see it benefiting the region economically?
Mrinal Talukdar: Let’s start with the food aspect. Attendees consume locally-sourced food, which directly supports farmers, vendors, and cooks, thereby boosting their income. Local artists also gain exposure and revenue through their participation. Moreover, this festival indirectly boosts the hospitality sector, leading to increased bookings at local hotels, homestays, and farm stays. Demand during the festival has even prompted addition of more rooms, reflecting the positive economic ripple effect on the community.
BNE: What are the challenges have you been through during the festival?
Mrinal Talukdar: Aligning tea tourism with the festival poses challenges due to seasonal timing. The festival runs during the cooler months starting in late November, when tea gardens are being pruned after the plucking season ends, lacking their usual lushness. In contrast, peak greenery coincides with the monsoon, less ideal for tourism. Unlike Kerala, which maintains visually appealing tea gardens year-round, Assam’s focus on high-quality production creates a trade-off between visual appeal and tourism timing, complicating efforts to balance tourism with the tea industry's cycles.
BNE: "Could you explain the festival's focus on tea? Will there be any special sessions dedicated to the tea industry?"
Mrinal Talukdar: This year, the festival will feature a dedicated tea conclave. In Assam, the tea industry is split between small growers, who produce about 55% of the tea, and large companies that account for 45%. While large companies have advanced technology and market insights, small growers, numbering around 125,000, often lack these resources and even face language barriers. To support them, we’re hosting a full-day conclave in collaboration with the Tea Board of India and other key stakeholders, focusing on critical issues like climate change and pest management. First session will feature scientists from TOCKLAI Tea Research Institute, who will conduct discussions in local languages for better accessibility.
BNE: What other key topics will the conclave cover, especially from a business perspective?
Mrinal Talukdar: Quality management is a key focus, featuring expert insights from top tea producers from Indore and Assam. To address financing challenges for small tea growers, discussions with banks like Bandhan Bank and SBI aim to facilitate direct interactions for better access to funding. Additionally, a specialist from Green Harvest will lead sessions on advanced agricultural practices and biotechnology, sharing new techniques and market strategies. The goal is to equip growers with practical knowledge that can enhance their production and sustainability.
BNE: It sounds like you’re trying to make the event as inclusive as possible for small tea growers. How will you ensure that the sessions are relevant?
Mrinal Talukdar: Absolutely. We are very mindful of the fact that many of these growers may not be fluent in English. While the presentations might be prepared in English, we’ve made it clear to all speakers and scientists that their delivery should be in the local language. The event will include sessions focused on practical, hands-on interaction rather than formal discussions. This will foster a genuine platform for knowledge exchange, meeting the needs of hardworking individuals in their own language.
BNE: As the person behind this unique initiative, what message do you want to convey?
Mrinal Talukdar: While I may be the curator, the Folk Tea Festival is truly a community-driven initiative, fuelled by the efforts of many. My message is - we need to reshape the narrative around tea, viewing it beyond the lens of profit and loss. Tea should be celebrated as a cultural symbol, not just as a commodity. Promoting tea as a celebrated cultural symbol, the festival seeks to increase appreciation and consumption, ultimately enhancing market demand and prices for growers. Currently, local tea options often take a backseat to international chains undermining tea's cultural value. The goal is to elevate tea's status in society, making it a primary choice and recognizing its worth beyond a commodity.
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