Bihu festival is the National Festival of Assam, one of the most beautiful states of India, known for its tea gardens, lush green forests and the mighty Brahmaputra. Bohag or Rongali Bihu happens mid April.It is a festival that transcends all religious and class barriers
bringing people together in a free and uninhabited manner. The Assamese
observe not one but three Bihus.
The word Bihu is derived from the Dimasa kachari language. The tribe Dimasa kachari lived in Assam since ancient time.Assam being a land of composite culture reflects a chain of festivals
of different tribes throughout the year. Bihu is the most important
festivals of Assam, celebrated with fun and abundance by all Assamese
people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief. The
breathtaking hills and valleys of Assam come alive with the sound of
Bihu thrice a year. viz. Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in April, Magh Bihu
or Bhogali Bihu in January and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in October/
November.
The most popular one is the the Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, which
refers to the onset of the Assamese New Year, ie, April 15 of every year
and the coming of Spring. Its a time of merriment and feasting and
continues for several days. The farmers prepare the fields for
cultivation of paddy and there is a feeling of joy around. The ladies
make pithas and larus, the traditional food made of rice and coconut
which gives the real essence of the season.
The first day of the Bihu is called Garu Bihu or Cow Bihu, where the
cows are washed and worshipped. This is followed by Manuh (human) Bihu.
The folk songs associated with the Bahaag Bihu are called Bihugeets or
Bihu songs. During this time the young people in the village move around
in groups along with pretty girls dressed in the beautiful traditional
Assamese attire and singing bihu songs of love and romance.
Magh or Bhogali Bihu
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, celebrated around mid-January, marks the end
of harvesting season and there is a lot of feasting and eating during
this period. The granaries are full and thus the people come together
and make a small hut type structures called Mejis with the hay of the
harvest fields and during the night, prepare food and there is community
feasting everywhere. The meji is a structure built of logs of wood
placed in pairs, tier above tier till they rise to considerable heights
and present the appearance of a lofty temple.
The entire night is spend around a bonfire with people singing bihu
songs, beating drums or playing games. The next morning, people gather
around the mejis and throw pithas (rice cakes) and betal nuts to it
while burning it at the same time. They offer their prayers to the Fire
God and mark the end of the harvesting year.
Kati or Kangali Bihu
Kaati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu, celebrated in mid-October, has a different
flavour as there is less merriment and the atmosphere has a sense of
constrain and solemnity. Held on the last day of Aswin, this festival
coincide with the autumnal equinox .It is called Kangali (poor) because
there is not much to eat at this time of the year. The main function
associated with this bihu is the worship of the sacred tulasi (basil)
plant at the root of which earthen oil lamps are placed.
During this time of the year, the paddy in the fields are in the
growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are almost empty. Thus it
can be also referred as the empty bihu. The people fast during the day
and in the evening offer prayers to the Tulsi plant and also in the
paddy fields by lighting a diya (earthen lamp), with the hope that there
is a good harvest and also to ward off any evil eyes. There is also
exchange of sweets and greetings at this time.
Rongali Bihu celebrations are quite colourful and vibrant. Marking the occasion young boys and girls in village don traditional dhoti, gamosa and saadar mekhela and sing Bihugeets or folk Bihu songs in traditional bihutolis or Mukoli Bihus. The accompanied orchestra of dhol, pépa (buffalo hornpipe) and gagana add joys to the celebrations. At several places Bihu fairs are also organized where people participate in the games and other fun-filled activities.
“Baje dhol baje dhak,
Sune sobar lage taak. Bisorjone sobai jabe,
Hasi kanna dui pabe.
Sukh dukho mile mise subho bijoya janai sese.”
Bihu anondia, Bihu binondia
Bihur mou mitha mat
Bihur ba lagi bihua kokair
Deu dhoni lagise gat…”
Bohag Bihu reflects the coming of spring
and usually falls on April 15 every year.
It is celebrated with distinctive Bihu dances.
People are in full form and dance on various Bihu geets called husuris.
This festival lasts for several days.
People wear new and traditional clothes like dhoti, gamocha and saadar mekhela.
Happy Bohag Bihu”
B -Bond of LOVE
I -Icon of Assam
H -Humanity
U -Unity
That is our BIHU, our soul….wish U all a Happy Rongali Bihu.
Pujo sesh oli goli,
ma bole choli choli.
Bhasan hobe fatafati,
bijoya sarar hutopati.
Eta mar natun dhara,
sms-e Bijoya sara.
Bihu Festival Greetings
Bihu Festival Pictures
Bihu Festival Screps
