Bihu Festival of Assam
Assam, known as the land of blue hills and red river, is also a land of
many feasts and festivals, which are marked by music, dance, mirth,
gaiety, community sharing, and spiritual colouring. Among these, Bihu is
the most impressive and prominent. Bihu is the chief festival of the
people of Assam celebrated by everyone irrespective of caste, creed, and
race. Assamese celebrate three types of Bihus in a year- Rongaali Bihu
or Bohaag Bihu, Kati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu and Magh Bihu or Bhogaali
Bihu.
Rongali Bihu &Bohaag Bihu
Rongaali Bihu is the most important Bihu among the three Bihus. Rongali bihu is also known as Bohaag bihu and celebrated with the highest joy and mirth among all the three bihus. As stated it is the commencement time of the new season of farming. But along with, Bohaag is the first month according to Assamese calendar. Hence it is also celebrated as the New Year festival. Bohaag Bihu is celebrated over a period of seven days.
The festival begins with what is known as ‘Goru Bihu’ which refers to the practice of ritual bath of the cows and bulls. The second day of the Bihu is the most important day. It is celebrated as Assamese New Year’s day. People welcome the day with songs and dance. People young and old put on new clothes. Friends, dear and near ones are invited for sharing pithas and sweets.
During these days, Assam can be seen
engulfed in the celebrations with hundreds of young men and women
perform Bihu dances on Bihu folk music (Bihu Geets) and sing to the tune
of Dhul( drums), gagana, toka, pepas (flute made of buffalo horns),Young boys and girls attired in their
traditional costumes, with the accompaniment go from house to house singing Bihu songs called
‘Husori’.
On this day, people also pay respect to their Elders are presented with ‘Gamosa’ (a traditional Assamese
hand-woven cotton towel)
Now-a-days the traditional celebrations are found only in rural areas
while Bihu celebrations in cities and towns are characterised by
community functions and entertainments. More about Bihu Festival of
More about Bihu Festival of Assam to watch the video,
