Bihu Festivals Of Assam: Rongali Bihu To Magh Bihu- Know How They Differ From Each Other

Assam celebrates three main Bihu festivals: 'Bohag Bihu' in the month of 'Bohag' (mid-April), 'Magh Bihu' in the month of 'Magh' (mid-January), and 'Kati Bihu' in the month of 'Kati' (mid-October).

Assam- a vibrant state known for the famous Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga National Park, Bihu, Mekhla Sador and much more, is ready to usher in the new year. Celebrated as Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, this festival falls mid-April among other festivals like Poila Baishakh, Vishu and Baisakhi. But, Rongali Bihu is just one of the Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam. Yes, Assam celebrates three main Bihu festivals: 'Bohag Bihu' in the month of 'Bohag' (mid-April), 'Magh Bihu' in the month of 'Magh' (mid-January), and 'Kati Bihu' in the month of 'Kati' (mid-October). Interestingly, Bihu is not just a festival, it is also the traditional dance form of the north-east Indian state.

The Bihu Festivals Of Assam:

Each Bihu festival corresponds to a specific phase in the farming calendar: Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of seeding time, Kati Bihu marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies, and Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting period. All three festivals are celebrated with unique traditions.

1. Bohag Bihu/Rongali Bihu:

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is a festival of joy that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. This festival goes on for a week, comprising a different ritual on each day.

The first day, Goru Bihu, involves bathing bulls and cows with turmeric, feeding them with gourds and brinjals, and providing them with new ropes. The second day, Manuh Bihu, is the Assamese New Year's Day when people wear new clothes, prepare special dishes, and exchange gifts and food items with friends and relatives, including the traditional hand-woven scarves called 'Gamucha' as a sign of honour.

Then comes Gosain Bihu which is devoted to religious observances and seeking divine blessings for the upcoming year, worshippers flock to temples to offer prayers. This is followed by Mela Bihu which is a ommunity spirit that flourishes with bustling gatherings and vibrant fairs, featuring cultural displays and traditional sports.

The last three days are celebrated as Kutum Bihu which is a day for visiting friends and loved ones, Senehi Bihu which celebrates friendships and strengthening social bonds and Chera Bihu that symbolising renewal, old belongings are discarded, marking a fresh start and embracing future opportunities.

2. Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu:

Bhogali Bihu, or Magh Bihu, celebrates the culmination of the harvest season with joyous festivities. Observed in mid-January, it coincides with the end of winter and the lengthening of daylight hours. This festival mainly focuses on food and marks the end of the harvest season.

The eve, known as Uruka, is a night of feasting around a bonfire with family and friends, while the main day involves rituals like burning the 'Meji' and offering prayers to the Holy Fire with 'Maah Khorai' and 'Pithas'. Traditional breakfast which is called 'Jalpaan' includes dishes like flattened rice, puffed rice, various rice cakes, and fresh cream or curd, shared with loved ones.

3. Kati Bihu/ Kongali Bihu:

It is a more solemn festival compared to the others. Falling in mid-October, it is a period of austerity and reflection during the phase between harvests and sowings. Prayers are offered to the Tulsi plant for family well-being and a good harvest. In the fields, farmers light 'Akash Banti' or 'Sky lamps' on bamboo poles to drive away insects and pests from the crops.