History & Traditions
The festival is celebrated over an entire month, with various customs, rituals, and folk performances that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
Agricultural Roots and Significance of Bohag Bihu
Assam being an agrarian society, all three Bihus—Rongali (Bohag), Kongali (Kati), and Bhogali (Magh)—are linked to agriculture. Rongali Bihu is celebrated when the cultivation season is at a pause, allowing farmers to relax and rejoice. It is a time when food stocks are abundant, and communities come together to celebrate prosperity and hope.
The term ‘Rongali’ derives from the Assamese word ‘Rong’, meaning joy or celebration, and ‘Bohag’ refers to the first month of the Assamese calendar. Together, Bohag Bihu represents the joy and renewal that come with a new agricultural cycle.
Rituals of the Bohag Bihu Festival
1. Garu Bihu – Day of the Cattle (April 14):
The first day is dedicated to cows and bullocks, who are vital to agricultural work. On this day:
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Cattle are taken to nearby rivers or ponds for ceremonial bathing.
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Their horns and hooves are painted and adorned with garlands.
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Special meals including brinjal, gourd, and turmeric are offered to them.
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Old ropes are removed, and they are tied with fresh ‘tara pogha’ (ropes made from a local creeper).
2. Manuh Bihu – Day of Humans (April 15):
This day celebrates human rejuvenation:
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People wear new clothes and take traditional baths.
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Elders are honored, and blessings are sought.
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Chira, curd, jaggery, and Pithas (traditional rice cakes) are enjoyed.
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The Husori performances are formally initiated at the Namghar (community prayer hall).
3. Gosain Bihu – Day of the Deities:
This day is reserved for spiritual practices and worship of household deities for a blessed year ahead.
Cultural Expressions of Bohag Bihu
Bihu Dance & Songs:
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Bihu Geet (Bihu songs) are romantic folk songs sung by young boys and girls.
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They perform the Bihu dance wearing traditional Muga silk and mekhela chador.
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Instruments like dhol, pepa, taal, gogona, hutuli, toka accompany the performances.
Mukoli Bihu (Open-Air Celebrations):
Unmarried youths gather in open fields to perform and enjoy the Bihu dance. These events are known for their vibrant atmosphere and romantic undertones.
Jeng Bihu:
A form of Bihu celebrated exclusively by women. Traditionally performed in village courtyards, women surround the dance area using bamboo sticks called ‘jeng’.
Husori:
Groups of village elders (usually men) go from house to house, singing Bihu carols known as ‘Husori geet’. They offer blessings in exchange for traditional offerings like tamul-paan presented in a xorai (brass offering tray).
Bihu in Urban vs. Rural Assam
In urban areas, modern Bihu celebrations have taken a different form. Well-organized Bihu committees and clubs host events, competitions, and concerts where professional and amateur artists showcase traditional music and dance. However, in rural Assam, the authentic charm and emotional depth of Bihu remain largely preserved.
Bihu Cuisine and Delicacies
Food plays a major role in Bihu festivities. Traditional dishes include:
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Chira (flattened rice) and curd
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Pitha (rice cakes filled with sesame or coconut)
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Laru (sweet coconut balls)
These are shared with family and neighbors, enhancing the spirit of community.
Conclusion
Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu is not just a festival; it is the soul of Assamese culture. It embodies the values of community, love, tradition, and prosperity. Whether in a small rural village or a bustling city, the spirit of Bihu brings every Assamese heart together in song, dance, and celebration.
Quick Info Table: Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) – Assam’s Festival of Joy and Renewal
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) |
| Also Known As | Assamese New Year Festival, Spring Bihu, Festival of Joy |
| Celebrated In | Assam, India |
| Celebration Month | Mid-April (usually from April 14 onwards) |
| Significance | Marks the Assamese New Year and celebrates spring, fertility, and new beginnings |
| Duration | 7 days of core celebrations, with festivities lasting the entire month of Bohag |
| Main Days | Garu Bihu (Cattle Day), Manuh Bihu (Human Day), and Gosain Bihu (Deity Day) |
| Cultural Highlights | Traditional Bihu dance, Bihu Geet (songs), Husori performances, Jeng Bihu, and Mukoli Bihu |
| Traditional Dress | Men: Dhoti, Gamosa, Shirt; Women: Mekhela Chador made of Muga Silk |
| Major Rituals | Cattle worship, offering food to elders, taking traditional baths, and wearing new clothes |
| Popular Foods | Pitha (rice cakes), Laru (sweet coconut balls), Chira (flattened rice), Curd, and Jaggery |
| Cultural Instruments | Dhol, Pepa, Gogona, Taal, Hutuli, and Toka |
| Festival Type | Agricultural, Cultural, and Seasonal Festival |
| Main Theme | Joy, Renewal, Unity, and Gratitude to Nature |
| Related Festivals in India | Baisakhi (Punjab), Pohela Boishakh (Bengal), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala) |
| Tourist Attraction | Major festival for travelers visiting Assam in April; showcases authentic Assamese culture and hospitality |
| Best Places to Experience Bihu | Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Tezpur, Majuli, and rural villages across Upper Assam |
FAQs with Answers
1. What is Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu?
Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring, celebrated with dance, music, and feasting.
2. When is Bohag Bihu celebrated?
Bohag Bihu is celebrated in mid-April every year, usually starting on April 14, coinciding with the Hindu solar New Year.
3. How many days is Bohag Bihu celebrated?
Bohag Bihu celebrations last for seven days, but festivities often continue for the entire month of Bohag (April–May).
4. What are the three types of Bihu in Assam?
The three Bihus are Rongali (Bohag Bihu), Kongali (Kati Bihu), and Bhogali (Magh Bihu), each marking different agricultural phases.
5. What rituals are performed during Bohag Bihu?
Rituals include Garu Bihu for cattle, Manuh Bihu for humans, and Gosain Bihu for deities, symbolizing renewal and prosperity.
6. What is the significance of Bihu dance and songs?
Bihu dance and songs express love, nature, and joy. Performed by youths, they are vital expressions of Assamese cultural identity.
7. What food is prepared during Bohag Bihu?
Traditional delicacies include pitha (rice cakes), laru (sweet balls), chira (flattened rice), and curd, shared among family and friends.
8. How is Bohag Bihu celebrated in urban areas?
Cities host organized Bihu events, cultural shows, and competitions, preserving traditions in a modern, festive setting.
9. What does the word ‘Rongali’ mean?
‘Rongali’ comes from the Assamese word ‘Rong’, meaning joy or celebration — symbolizing the happiness of the season.
10. Why is Bohag Bihu important to Assamese culture?
It reflects Assam’s agrarian roots and unity, marking a time of love, renewal, and gratitude towards nature and community.
