Bihu is the main festival of Assam. It symbolizes the communication of love. It is the major harvesting festival. It connects to nature. Like other Indian festival, Bihu is associated with agriculture.
Bihu is a way of celebrating Assamese people’s life, nature, and culture. At this festival, people wear traditional dresses. Bihu is celebrated three times in a year.
Bohag Bihu is also known as Rongali Bihu. It begins on the last day of the Assamese year. Rongali Bihu is celebrated in April. On this day, cows are bathed and they are tied with new rope. On the second day, everybody put on new clothes. Chira and various types of cakes are prepared during this Bihu.
Kati or Kangali Bihu is observed on the last day of Ashwin. On this day, earthen lamps are put near the Tulsi plants. There is no feasting in this Bihu.
The Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, begins on the last day of Poush month. There is a great feasting and merry-making in this Magh Bihu. This Bihu marks the end of the harvesting season. The eve of Magh Bihu is called ‘Uruka’. It is the night of feast and burning of makeshift huts. Family and friends get together and feast around a bonfire.
Pithas, larus, etc. are made by the people during the festival of Bihu and celebrated with folk dances and songs. Bihu serves as a joyful occasion for Assamese communities to come together, celebrate abundance, and express gratitude towards nature’s bounties amidst an atmosphere of music, dance, and culinary delights.
(The article is solely the opinion of the author. The views expressed here are solely personal and not in any way connected to any organisation or any political party.)
