Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the most significant festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Celebrated in mid-April, it spans several days, each with unique customs and rituals that highlight Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
Uruka, The Eve of Celebration
The festivities commence with Uruka, observed on the night preceding the Assamese New Year. Families and friends gather to prepare traditional Assamese dishes, including pithas (rice cakes), larus (sweet balls made from coconut and sesame), and sunga saul (rice cooked in bamboo). The night is filled with singing traditional Bihu songs and dancing, creating a joyous and unified atmosphere.
Goru Bihu, Honoring Cattle
The following day, known as Goru Bihu, is dedicated to honoring cattle, which are vital to Assam’s agrarian society. On this day, cattle are bathed, smeared with turmeric, and adorned with traditional decorations. The ritual includes prayers for the health and prosperity of the animals, acknowledging their role in the community’s sustenance and success.
Manuh Bihu, Welcoming the New Year
The third day, Manuh Bihu, marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. People rise early to take ritualistic baths, don new clothes, and visit temples to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. This day emphasizes family bonds and social unity, with gatherings and exchanges of traditional gifts, such as the ‘Gamusa’ (a traditional Assamese cloth), symbolizing respect and warmth.
Cultural Significance
Bohag Bihu transcends its agricultural roots, evolving into a celebration of Assamese identity and community spirit. It fosters unity, renews social bonds, and offers a platform to showcase traditional music, dance, and culinary arts. The festival’s rituals, from feasting together to honoring nature and elders, reflect the values of gratitude, respect, and harmony that are central to Assamese culture. As Bohag Bihu approaches, the streets of Assam come alive with preparations, with markets bustling and homes adorned with traditional decorations. This vibrant festival not only marks a new beginning but also reinforces the cultural fabric that binds the people of Assam together. Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the most significant festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Celebrated in mid-April, it spans several days, each with unique customs and rituals that highlight Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
