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Bihu: Festivals Of Assam

Bihu is the most popular festival celebrated in one of the most beautiful states of India which is considered for its tea gardens, the mighty Brahmaputra River & lush green forests. 

It is one of the most important cultural festivals of Assam which is celebrated thrice a year. It mainly serves the agricultural culture and society of the state and indicates the beginning of the Assamese New Year and harvest season. 

All three Bihu is celebrated in different time periods throughout the year. Rongali or Bohag Bihu falls in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu is celebrated in October while Bhogali or Magha Bihu is celebrated in January.

Regardless of caste, creed, and belief, it is the cheerful festival of Assam celebrated by the locals. Assam is a fertile land covered by the Blue Mountains and is used by the mighty Brahmaputra River. Most of the people here are dependent on agriculture and the whole society is agricultural oriented in nature. Basically, it is the celebration of the transformation of the seasons.

Origin:

The origin of the word Bihu came from the Sanskrit word ‘Vishu which means that people demand prosperity from the gods during the critical time of the harvesting season. According to the myths, people believed that the name Bihu comes from two different words “Bi” means “to ask”& “Hu” means “to give”.

Significance:

The festival of Bihu gives the Assamese a distinct identity. Furthermore, it stands them in the history of the nation. Assam is also well known for its harvest festival Bihu. 

The Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu is celebrated for seven days. It signifies the beginning of the spring & on this occasion farmers prepare the fields for cultivation.

The next one Bihu is known as Kati Bihu and is a more subdued occasion. This Bihu is mainly celebrated to seek blessings from the gods so that there is no damage to the crops while they are getting ready for harvest.

The last is Magh Bihu which is celebrated during the end of the harvest season. During Magh Bihu, the primary focus is on the feast and celebration, as the grain is full and the farmers need not worry about their crops. The celebration of Magh Bihu includes lots of food and entertainment and is celebrated with great enthusiasm among all Assamese families located in different parts of the world.

Celebrations:

The festival revolves around the preparation of special foods and ceremonies, including the famous Bihu dance, which is a local form of dance. The first of the seven days of Rongali Bihu is known as Goru Bihu and involves bathing cattle using soap and herbs that are considered auspicious.

Assamese people clean their houses and wash their cattle and give them good food as thanks for helping them on the farm. The cattle are allowed to roam freely for a day and are then worshipped with traditional prayers and garlands. The ceremony is accompanied by a folk song.

The next day is considered to be the most important day of Bohag Bihu and the beginning of the New Year. On the second day, a special prayer service is held in the Namghar or prayer hall for the good of the whole community.

Special respect is given to the elders of the family by giving them a towel called Gamosa. It is one of the most important rituals and the towel is worn on the head and body. Gamosa reflects the highest honour in the Assamese community. The remaining days of Bihu are known as Manu Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Sehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu.

Another highlight of this festival is a bamboo cap known as Japi. This hat is important because it symbolizes the importance of agriculture in Assam. Well, farmers wear a simple Japi while working in the fields.

During these seven days, Bihu songs are sung about the festival, especially in rural areas. Many of these songs spread feelings of attraction, love and romance among the younger members of the community. These folk songs are performed by traditional instruments such as dhol, pepa, toka, gagna and more.

The period of the Bihu festival is known as Bohag Bidai, which literally means 'farewell to Bohag'. The women of the house prepare special dishes with flat rice, jaggery and curd on the occasion of New Year. Traditional clothing for women is a mekhala during Bihu, while boys include a dhoti and a gamcha.

On the occasion of Assamese New Year, various dance festivals, events & fair are organized & also most of the educational institutes remain closed throughout the year. 

Bihu Dance

Bihu's celebration is incomplete without Bihu dance. It is a group dance performance by men and women as each has its own role. Women only dance in linear or circular patterns and enter after men.

This dance is characterized by fixed postures and subtle yet sensual movements. Hips, wrists and arms such as bends and squats are very important for dancing. 

Furthermore, the overall feeling of Bihu dance is energetic which is facilitated by the colourful costumes worn by men and women while dancing. Women’s outfit is incomplete without wearing the jewellery, along with a red bindi & white coloured flowers for their buns.

It is a celebration of life, where everyone, regardless of caste and class, functions as a social unit. You can also see the streets buzzing with Bihu songs and songs that support nature, culture, morality and life. 

Moreover, out of all two Bohaag Bihu is known as the most important festival of the state. The traditional dish of Bohag Bihu is known as Pitha. 

The celebration of the Bihu festival has changed a lot in modern-day. But in most of the rural areas, Bihu's own originality and feelings are much more vibrant.