Bihu

About Bihu

One of the biggest festivals of the people of Assam, Bihu is celebrated to announce the beginning of a new harvest season. It is a National festival of Assam and has its origin in the age old customs and practices. The Assamese observe three Bihus in a year; Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu and Bhogali Bihu. Rangoli Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu is celebrated in mid-April. Kongali Bihu is celebrated in mid- October and is also referred to as the Kati Bihu. Lastly, we have the Bhogali Bihu which is observed in mid-January and is also known as Magh Bihu. However, of the three types of Bihu celebrated, the Rangoli Bihu is the most important and colorful. The festival of Bihu reflects the rich culture of the Assamese. It is celebrated every year with gaiety, fun and excitement. It is in fact, the most awaited festival of the people of Assam.

Significance of Bihu

The significant of the festival Bihu lies in the fact that it marks the three distinct phase of farming, of the native crop of Assam; paddy. While Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the seeding time, the Kati Bihu marks the completion of paddy sowing and lastly the Magh Bihu concludes the harvesting period.

Rangoli Bihu is considered to be the most important of all the Bihu. It is celebrated in the month of April and heralds the coming of the Assamese New Year. It also marks the arrival of the spring and agricultural season and reflects the happiness that pervades the society.

Rituals and Celebrations of Bihu

Bihu is celebrated with great fervor in every nook and corner of Assam. Each of the three different types of Bihu has their own individual customs, traditions and rituals associated with it. However, on the occasion of the three Bihu celebration people are seen wearing new and colorful clothes. They usually don themselves in traditional attire like dhoti, gamosa and saadar mekhela. Houses are cleaned and people prepare special delicacies like ‘Chira’ and ‘Pitha’. They visit the houses of their friends, relatives and neighbors. People distribute boxes of sweets and greetings are exchanged between them. Grand feats are organized to celebrate the joyous occasion. People sing the Bihugeets or Bihu folk songs accompanied by the orchestra of dhol, pepa and gangana. Bihu fairs are also organized at various places where people indulge in various fun-filled and entertaining activities like games. On the occasion of Bihu, people of all caste, creed and religion partake in the grand celebration.

Last Updated On: 2011/06/28