Assamese Festival Bihu
Bihu is a colorful and joyous festival celebrated by the people of Assam, a beautiful state located in the northeastern part of India. It is one of the most important festivals in Assam and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of all ages. Bihu is actually a series of three different festivals, namely Rongali Bihu (also known as Bohag Bihu), Kongali Bihu (also known as Kati Bihu), and Bhogali Bihu (also known as Magh Bihu), each marking different phases of the agricultural calendar.
Rongali Bihu, which falls in April, marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the onset of the spring season. It is the most vibrant and colourful of the three Bihus. People clean their houses, wear new clothes, and decorate their homes. Traditional Assamese folk songs called Bihu geet are sung, and energetic Bihu dances are performed by men and women in traditional attire. The sound of the dhols (drums) and pepas (a type of flute) fills the air as people celebrate the festival with great fervor.
Kongali Bihu, which falls in October, is a more somber affair. It is a period of fasting and reflection, as it coincides with the time when farmers face scarcity of food due to the lean harvest season. People light earthen lamps (matir Saki) in their homes and fields to ward off evil spirits and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming months.
Bhogali Bihu, celebrated in January, marks the end of the harvest season and is a time of feasting and merrymaking. It is also known as the Magh Bihu. The highlight of this festival is the community feasts known as bhogali bhoj, where people gather to enjoy traditional Assamese delicacies like pitha, laru, and varieties of meat dishes made from freshly harvested crops and livestock. Bonfires called meji and bhelaghar are lit in fields and courtyards, around which people sing and dance throughout the night.
Bihu is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, nature, and the rich cultural heritage of Assam. It brings people together, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, to rejoice in the spirit of unity and harmony. The festival is also a time for expressing gratitude to the deities for a successful harvest and seeking their blessings for the future.
In conclusion, Bihu is a unique and vibrant festival that holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam. It is a time for joy, togetherness, and renewal, as communities come together to celebrate the beauty of life and nature. Through Bihu, the rich cultural identity of Assam is preserved and passed down from one generation to the next, making it a truly cherished tradition.