The Bihu festival represents the soul and heart of Assamese culture, a profound and multi-layered celebration observed by the Assamese people in the state of Assam, India. It is not a single festival, but a set of three distinct ceremonies, deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle and seasonal changes. Each of these celebrations takes place at specific times of the year, reflecting different phases of agriculture and daily life.
These three Bihu are essential markers of time, punctuated by the sun and crops. They embody the hopes, joys, and challenges of farmers and the entire Assamese community, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between man and nature.
Rongali Bihu: The Exuberance of Spring and New Year
The most revered and exuberant of these festivals is Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu. It symbolizes much more than a mere celebration; it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year, coinciding with the arrival of vibrant spring and the new solar year.
This time is crucial for the farming community, as it signals the start of the planting season and the hope of future harvests. Traditionally, it falls in April according to the Gregorian calendar, when nature awakens and the fields prepare for cultivation.
Rongali Bihu is a celebration of life and fertility, usually spanning seven days, each with its own significance and rituals:
Goru Bihu (the first day): Dedicated to livestock, especially cows and buffaloes, which are washed, decorated with garlands and fed special treats in recognition of their vital role in agriculture.
Manuh Bihu (the second day): The main day of the year, when people put on new clothes, visit their loved ones, and exchange gifts. It is a time of reconciliation and renewal of social ties.
Gosain Bihu (the third day): Dedicated to the deities, with prayers offered for prosperity and peace.
The festivities are steeped in music and dance, including the famous Bihu dance, a vibrant and joyful spectacle in which men and women perform rhythmic movements to the sound of the dhol (drum), pepa (a wind instrument made from buffalo horn), and gogona (a bamboo reed instrument). Traditional foods such as pithas (rice cakes) and larus (sweet balls made from rice or coconut) are prepared in abundance and shared.
Magh Bihu: The Harvest Feast
The second major festival is Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, a name derived from the Assamese word "Bhog" meaning "to eat" or "feast." This harvest festival is an exuberant celebration of abundance, marking the end of the winter harvest season. It takes place in January, when the granaries are full and the hard work of harvesting is complete.
Kongali Bihu: Hope in the Dark
The third and final festival is Kongali Bihu, or Kati Bihu, which differs from the other two in its more sober atmosphere and introspective nature. The term "Kongali" means "poor" or "without opulence" in Assamese, reflecting the time of year it is celebrated. Usually falling in October, it is a time of relative leanness, just before the main harvest, when granaries are often empty and farmers await the coming harvest.
Kongali Bihu is less of a festival and more of a time of prayer and contemplation. The rituals focus on protecting crops and praying for a bountiful and healthy harvest:
Farmers light clay oil lamps ("saki") at the foot of the sacred Tulsi (holy basil) plant and in paddy fields to repel harmful insects and attract blessings.
Prayers are offered to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and to Mother Earth for the protection of seedlings and crops.
Unlike the outpourings of joy of Rongali and the feasts of Magh, Kongali Bihu is a time of quiet vigilance and hope, where the community comes together in humility to express gratitude and aspirations for the agricultural future. It is a powerful reminder of humankind's dependence on natural cycles and the importance of perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bihu
What exactly is Bihu?
Bihu is the national and most important festival of the state of Assam in India, celebrated by the Assamese people. It consists of three distinct festivals throughout the year, each marking a key milestone in the agricultural calendar and seasons: Rongali (or Bohag) Bihu, Magh (or Bhogali) Bihu, and Kongali (or Kati) Bihu.
What are the three types of Bihu?
The three types of Bihu are:
Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu): Celebrated in April, it marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of spring, centered around joy, dance and renewal.
Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu): Celebrated in January, it is an exuberant harvest festival, characterized by feasting and bonfires.
Kongali Bihu (Kati Bihu): Celebrated in October, it is more sober and introspective, centered on prayer for abundant harvests and the protection of crops.
When is Rongali Bihu celebrated?
Rongali Bihu is usually celebrated in April, coinciding with mid-April according to the Gregorian calendar and the beginning of the Assamese solar new year.
Why is Kongali Bihu different from other Bihu?
Kongali Bihu is unique because of its more sober character and lack of the exuberant atmosphere that characterizes Rongali and Magh Bihu. It falls during a period of "leanness" before the main harvest, and is primarily focused on prayer, crop protection, and hope for a good future harvest, rather than feasting and joyous celebrations.
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