The auspicious beginning of Rongali Bihu, an invaluable treasure of Assamese culture and deeply connected to the Assamese way of life, commenced today with the celebration of Goru Bihu. This festival holds special significance in Assamese society, particularly in honoring the role of cows in an agrarian lifestyle.
From Sadiya to Dhubri, a festive spirit was witnessed across rural Assam on Monday. In the early morning, households took their cows, goats, and other livestock to nearby rivers, ponds, or lakes for ritual baths. The animals were fed brinjal, bottle gourd, and turmeric as a gesture of wishing them longevity and prosperity. As per traditional customs, youths and villagers together celebrated Goru Bihu with folk songs and dances.
In Sanaguri village of Batadrava, people observed Goru Bihu with reverence, following a tradition that spans seven generations. Youngsters sang traditional Bihu songs in unison, decorated the cows, and fed them special treats. After bathing the cattle, they were gently patted with dighloti and makhiyoti leaves, while traditional chants like “Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja” (Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year after year) were sung.
In the evening, the cows were respectfully brought back to the cowsheds, tied with new ropes, and the cowsheds as well as courtyards were decorated with makhiyoti, aguru, and tuhor leaves. Traditional delicacies such as pitha and pona were also prepared on this occasion.
Meanwhile, open-stage Bihu festivities also kicked off in several regions starting today. The sound of dhol, pepa, and gagana, along with the melodies of joy echoing through rural landscapes, filled the hearts of every Assamese with excitement and cheer. The celebrations will intensify further with the observance of Manuh Bihu on Tuesday.
