Bohag Bihu is a traditional festival celebrated in the
Indian state of Assam. It marks the Assamese New Year and is also known as
Rongali Bihu. The festival usually falls in mid-April and is a time of great
joy and merriment. During Bohag Bihu, people engage in various cultural and traditional
activities. The celebrations typically include folk dances like the Bihu dance,
where men and women perform energetic and rhythmic movements to the beats of
traditional music. People also exchange Bihu greetings and seek blessings from
elders.
Information table of Bohag Bihu
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Topic
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Knowledge
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Date
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14th
April 2024 - 20 April, 2024
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Festival
Name
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Bohag
Bihu
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Meaning
of bohag bihu
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Seven
Bihus
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significance
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New
Year
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Observed
by
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Assam
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Rituals
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People
dress up in traditions like Mekhela Chadar for women and Dhoti-Kurta for men. They
also prepare traditional delicacies like Pitha, Laru, Chira, and Akho
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Duration
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7
days
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Type
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Social
, Cultural, Religious
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Frequency
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Annual
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Spiritual
importance
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People
pray during this a good harvest season and also perform other religious
customs. |
How the people of Assam celebrate this Bohag Bihu
The celebration of Bohag Bihu in Assam is marked by vibrant
and joyous festivities. Here's a glimpse of how the people of Assam typically
celebrate this holiday:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Before the festival begins,
people clean and decorate their homes. It is a time for renewal and freshness,
symbolizing the arrival of spring.
- Wearing New Clothes: People
wear new and traditional Assamese attire during Bohag Bihu. This is a common
practice, signifying the start of the Assamese New Year with a fresh and
positive outlook.
- Rongali Bihu Decorations: Homes and public spaces are
adorned with colorful decorations, including rangoli (known as 'Alpana' in
Assam), flowers, and traditional Assamese motifs. This adds to the festive
atmosphere.
- Traditional Folk Dance: Bihu Dance is an integral part of
the celebrations. Men and women, dressed in traditional attire, perform the
energetic Bihu dance to the beats of traditional Bihu songs. It's a lively and
spirited dance form that captures the essence of the festival.
- Music and Singing: Music plays a crucial role in Bohag Bihu
celebrations. Traditional Bihu songs, known as Bihu geet, are sung during the
festivities. The tunes are often accompanied by traditional instruments like
the dhol (drum) and pepa (a type of flute).
Traditions and rituals of Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is celebrated with
various traditions and rituals that hold cultural significance in Assam. Here
are some of the traditions and rituals associated with Bohag Bihu:
- Goru Bihu (Cattle Worship): On the first day of Bohag Bihu,
known as Goru Bihu, cattle, especially cows and bullocks, are bathed and
adorned with garlands. They are then worshiped as a form of gratitude for their
contribution to agriculture and farming activities.
- Manuh Bihu (Human Worship): The second day, known as Manuh
Bihu, is dedicated to the worship of humanity. People take a traditional
Assamese bath called "Gos" and visit elders' homes to seek blessings.
Gifts and tokens of respect are exchanged during these visits..
- Traditional Attire: Wearing new clothes, especially
traditional Assamese attire, is an essential part of Bohag Bihu. Women often
wear the Mekhela Chador, while men dress in traditional dhoti and kurta or
gamosa (traditional Assamese towel)
The seven days
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is celebrated over a
period of seven days, each with its own significance and rituals. Here's a
breakdown of the seven days of Bohag Bihu :
- Goru Bihu (Cow Bihu) - Day 1st: Usually falls on the last day
of the Assamese month of Chot.Rituals: Cattle, especially cows and bullocks,
are bathed and adorned with garlands. They are worshiped as a form of gratitude
for their contribution to agriculture and farming activities.
- Manuh Bihu (Human Bihu) - Day 2nd: This day is dedicated to the worship of humanity. People take a
traditional Assamese bath called "Gos" and visit the homes of elders
to seek blessings. Gifts and tokens of respect are exchanged during these
visits.
- Gosai (Gods) Bihu - Day 3rd: On this day, prayers and offerings are made to the gods for a
prosperous year ahead. Traditional Assamese households often have a designated
area for worship, where rituals are performed.
- Kutum Bihu (Family Bihu) - Day 4th: Families come together for a special meal, and traditional
Assamese dishes, including various types of pitha (rice cakes), are prepared
and shared. It's a day of togetherness and festive feasting.
- Mela Bihu (Fair Bihu) - Day 5th: Community fairs and cultural events are organized during Mela
Bihu. People participate in traditional games, sports, and cultural
competitions. It's a day of entertainment and showcasing the rich cultural
heritage of Assam.
- Raati Bihu (Night Bihu) - Day 6th: People engage in cultural programs, music, and dance performances
during Raati Bihu. The night is illuminated with bonfires, and traditional Bihu
songs are sung and danced to, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Gamosa Bihu (Towel Bihu) - Day 7th: On this day, traditional Assamese towels called
"gamosa" are exchanged as a symbol of love and respect. It marks the
conclusion of the seven days of Bohag Bihu celebrations.
These seven days of Bohag Bihu reflect a combination of
religious, agricultural, and cultural celebrations, creating a vibrant and
festive atmosphere in the state of Assam.
Conclusion
As a cultural extravaganza, Bohag Bihu not only showcases
the diversity and vibrancy of Assamese traditions but also serves as a time for
reflection, gratitude, and the anticipation of a prosperous year ahead. The
festival stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Assam, where
age-old traditions blend seamlessly with the enthusiasm of a new beginning.