It’s that time of the year when Assam is drenched in the spirit of Rongali Bihu also known as Bohag Bihu – the vibrant and joyous festival that captures the essence of this Northeastern state’s rich culture and mesmerizing heritage! With its roots deeply embedded in the rural lifestyle of the Assamese people, Rongali Bihu Festival, marks the arrival of the spring season, bringing with it an explosion of colors, music, dance, and merriment. This year Bohag Bihu starts from 11th April 2024 to 20 April 2024. This harvest festival is not just a celebration of abundance and prosperity, but a time for communities to come together, reconnect with nature and revel in the spirit of life.
Assam celebrates the Bihu festival three times a year. Bhogali or Magh Bihu is celebrated in January Bohag or Rongali Bihu is celebrated in April. Kongali or Kati Bihu is celebrated in October. Join me as we embark on a journey to uncover the fascinating traditions and customs of the Rongali Bihu festival, and get ready to be swept away by its infectious festive spirit and lovely Assamese community!
History & Cultural Significance of Rongali Bihu
Rooted in rich traditions, culture, and customs, this spring festival holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam. With colorful decorations adorning the streets, soul-stirring Bihu songs filling the air, and the mesmerizing beats of the dhol uplifting spirits, Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is a time of unrestrained revelry and camaraderie. It marks the beginning of a new agricultural year, with farmers expressing gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest. From traditional dances on folk music like the Bihu dance to indulging in delectable Assamese delicacies, Rongali Bihu is a time of merriment, togetherness, and boundless enthusiasm, where the spirit of Assam’s rich culture shines bright in all its glory!
Celebration & Rituals of Rongali Bihu Festival
During this spring festival, the air is filled with the fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers, the rhythm of traditional drums, and the contagious laughter of loved ones. And the rituals of Bohag Bihu are nothing short of spectacular! The festivities kick off with the ‘Goru Bihu’ or the worship of cows, as they are considered sacred and indispensable for agricultural activities. The joyous ‘Manuh Bihu’ follows, where people adorn traditional attire and engage in traditional folk music, dance, and merrymaking. The highlight of the celebrations is the spirited ‘Husori,’ a traditional dance performed by young men and women, who move in perfect harmony to the beats of the ‘dhol,’ ‘pepa,’ and ‘gagana.’ The exuberant ‘Bihu Jhumur’ and ‘Bihu Geet’ add to the festive fervor, while the ‘Meji’ or the ceremonial bonfire symbolizes the burning of evil spirits and the ushering in of a new beginning.
The spirit of Rongali Bihu transcends age, caste, and creed, bringing people together in a jubilant celebration of life, love, and abundance. The infectious energy, the colorful decorations, the scrumptious feasts of local cuisine, and the camaraderie of friends and family make Rongali Bihu a cherished time of the year, brimming with enthusiasm and joy. So, let’s immerse ourselves in the magic of Rongali Bihu and revel in the rich culture of Assam with unmatched zeal and fervor! Bihu Husori, Bihu cuisine, Bihu geet, and Bihu dance – let the festivities begin!
Summarising…Why You Must Be in Assam to Enjoy the Spirit of Rongali Bihu Festival
Assam during Bohag Bihu 2024 has become a sight to behold, with the entire state buzzing with joy and excitement. The festive atmosphere is contagious, and you’ll find yourself dancing to the beats of the Bihu songs and joining in the merriment with the locals. The colors, the folk music, the food, and the camaraderie of the Assamese community will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to Assam during Rongali Bihu. Experience the magic of this vibrant harvest festival, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Assam, and create memories that will be etched in your heart forever. Join us in Assam to celebrate Bohag Bihu and be a part of an experience that will leave you mesmerized and wanting more!
Bihu Festival at a Glance:
FAQ’s:
It marks the arrival of spring, a time of renewal and rejuvenation during this harvest festival. The celebrations span over a week, starting from 14th April to 20 of April, with mesmerizing cultural performances, traditional dances like Bihu, melodious songs, and mouth-watering feasts!
The spread is a culinary masterpiece of local cuisine from aromatic pithas bursting with sweet coconut and jaggery fillings to tender fish curries cooked with freshly harvested vegetables. The air is filled with the aroma of steamed rice cakes, crispy pakoras, and luscious sweets made with ripe bananas and sesame seeds. Each delicacy, every bite is a burst of festive delight!
From the energetic Bihu dance, with its lively movements and rhythmic steps, to the graceful Jhumur dance, with its elegance and poise, Bohag is a kaleidoscope of colors, folk music, and dance! Tourists get swept away in the joyous spirit of this spring festival as they witness these enchanting dance forms performed with unmatched fervor and passion, creating a spectacle that will fill your heart with festive delight!
As the melodious tunes of the Bihu songs echo through the lush green fields, and the aroma of freshly harvested crops fills the air, the people of Assam come together with unbridled enthusiasm and unrestrained joy to revel in their rich heritage. Bohag Bihu is not just a spring festival, but a thread that weaves the people of Assam into a tapestry of community, tradition, and pride, binding them together in a harmonious celebration of their cultural roots. It brings together people of all ages, castes, and creeds together in a joyous symphony of cultural diversity.