Things you must know about Bihu, Assam’s harvest festival

TRAVEL NEWS, ASSAMJan 12, 2018, 14.40 IST






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Assam’s harvest festivalPhoto courtesy: harvest festival
Assamese Bihu is one of the most important cultural festivals of Assam, which celebrates the change in seasons. It mainly caters to the agrarian culture and society of the state and marks the beginning of Assamese New Year and harvest season. All these three types of Bihu are celebrated during different time periods. Rongali or Bohag Bihu comes in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu is observed in October while Bhogali or Magh Bihu is celebrated in January. There are several interesting facts that people must not be aware of about the vibrant Bihu festival 2018, so read along to know more about this beautiful festival.

1) Three types of Bihu: Bihu is primarily a collection of three different festivals, namely Rangali or Bohag Bihu (April), Kangali or Kati Bihu (October) and Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January). Magh Bihu symbolises the end of the harvest season, Rongali Bihu, comes as Assamese New Year while Kati Bihu celebrates the harvest season.

2) Rongali Bihu, the Assamese New Year: Among the three Bihus, this one is the most important as it celebrates the Assamese New Year.

3) Goru Bihu, the first day of Rongali Bihu: On this day, farmers take their livestock and cattle to a river or pond to give them bath, which is considered sacred. Later, they prepare a paste of turmeric powder and pulses known as Mah-Haldi, which is applied on the livestock. The animals are then fondled by the twigs of Makhiyati and Dighalati plants.

Assam’s harvest festivalPhoto courtesy: harvest festival
4) About Kongali or Kati Bihu: During this time, Bodo people of Assam light lamps and pray to God for a thriving harvesting season.

5) Songs and dance during Bihu: Any Bihu celebration is considered incomplete with melodious folk Bihu Geet (songs) and traditional dance. People during this time, get in their best traditional attire and perform the Bihu Naach. The tune of traditional musical instruments including Toka Xutuli, Baanhi, Dhul and Gogona, add a different kind of flavour in the atmosphere.

6) Animal fights during Bhogali Bihu: Various sports are organised during the Bhogali Bihu, which includes buffalo fighting and cock fighting, among others
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