Tusu and its Origin- A Brief Throwback

“Ja Ja Tusu Ja Ja Lo                                         

Dekha Geche Tor Pirit Lo

Tor Prite Mon Maane Na

Boli Tor Pirite Agun Jole Na…”

This song by Souvik Chatterjee will surely make you groove to its beats. Adding a positive vibe to this festive ambience, it makes one anxious about the story associated with “Tusu”. Looking back to its origin, it needs to be mentioned that neither the name of the festival nor its origin is certain but it is said that the name “Tusu” has been derived from “Tus” (chaff) or “Nakshatra” (the constellation) of “Tisya”- the star, which forms during the festival. Some are of the view that the word is derived from “Tosh” (a Bengali term) which means lively and fresh.

Legends related to the name “Tusu”

As per legends, “tusu” is a term abbreviated from “Tusumoni”- who was a beautiful princess but gave up her life jumping into a nearby river to avoid losing her chastity to some Muslin conquerors. Again some are of the view that it is the word “Tushya” which owes credit for the name. They believe that “Tushya” like “Sujata” was known to be a Buddhist mendicant who around 2,000 years ago wandered lonely throughout the Jangal Mahal region spreading views regarding female emancipation.

Origin of the festival

Moving on with the origin of this festival, as per some, it is the Shushunia Hills, Bankura where Tusu was first celebrated. On the other hand, few other folklorists connect the origin of Tusu to the worship of Toshali Debi who is believed to be the goddess of agricultural folk. Tusu itself is a fertility festival which is celebrated throughout the harvesting season. It is interesting to note about a debate which prevails saying that traditionally Tusu was celebrated by only the Kurmis tribe residing along the Chotta Nagpur belt. Adding on, it is said that since then the celebration of Tusu was adopted by other communities like the Mundas, Oraons and Bhumij and also spread to communities residing along various parts of Bengal such as Hoogly, Bardhaman, Sundarban areas and Birbhum. One can also relish the joy of “Tusu” far in Assam and North Bengal. Altogether, the north eastern and eastern region of India becomes colorful during this festive season.