Bihu Festival of Assam: History, Significance, Traditions & Celebrations

Kamal Ahmad1 week ago

0 11 5 minutes read

Introduction to Bihu Festival

The Bihu Festival is the cultural heartbeat of Assam, celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and joy. Representing the agrarian lifestyle of the Assamese people, Bihu is more than just a festival—it is a celebration of life, nature, and community.

Unlike most festivals that are observed once a year, Bihu is celebrated thrice annually, each marking a different stage of the agricultural cycle:

Rongali or Bohag Bihu (April): Welcoming spring and the Assamese New Year.
Kongali or Kati Bihu (October): A time of prayers for protection and good harvest.
Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January): A harvest festival marked by feasting and merrymaking.

Through Bihu, the people of Assam express gratitude to nature, bond with family and neighbors, and preserve their cultural identity.

Mythological and Historical Background of Bihu

Bihu has deep roots in Assamese culture and history, blending folk traditions, rituals, and legends.

Etymology: The word Bihu is derived from the Dimasa language, where “bi” means to ask and “hu” means peace or prosperity.
Agricultural Roots: Traditionally, Bihu marks the rhythm of farming life—sowing, protecting crops, and harvesting.
Mythological Connections: Some associate Bihu with fertility rituals dedicated to gods and goddesses of nature.
Historical Evidence: References to Bihu celebrations can be found in medieval Assamese literature and ancient inscriptions, highlighting its importance in the region’s socio-cultural fabric.

Agricultural and Cultural Importance of Bihu

For the people of Assam, Bihu is both a festival of agriculture and culture:

Marks the beginning and completion of farming cycles.
Encourages gratitude towards Mother Earth, livestock, and nature’s forces.
Strengthens community bonds through collective celebrations.
Serves as a cultural symbol of Assamese pride and identity.
Showcases traditional music, dance, attire, and food unique to Assam.

The Three Bihus of Assam

1. Rongali or Bohag Bihu (April)

Celebrated in mid-April, coinciding with the Assamese New Year.
Marks the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
Farmers prepare their fields for sowing rice.
Young men and women perform the Bihu dance, accompanied by drums (dhol), cymbals, and the melodious pepa (buffalo-horn pipe).
Families exchange traditional sweets, pithas (rice cakes), and larus (laddoos).
It is the most colorful and widely celebrated of the three Bihus.

2. Kongali or Kati Bihu (October)

Observed in mid-October, during the sowing season when food supplies are low.
Unlike the other two Bihus, Kongali Bihu is a somber and spiritual festival.
Lamps (saki) are lit in fields and under the holy tulsi plant to seek blessings for crops.
Cattle are fed and worshipped, as they play a vital role in farming.
Prayers are offered for protection against pests and natural calamities.

3. Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January)

Celebrated in mid-January, marking the end of the harvest season.
Known for its grand feasts and community celebrations.
On the eve, people build Meji (bonfires) and Bhelaghars (temporary huts made of bamboo and thatch) where they feast overnight.
Traditional games like buffalo fights, cock fights, and wrestling are organized.
Symbolizes abundance, sharing, and communal harmony.

Rituals and Traditions of Bihu

Each Bihu comes with unique rituals:

Lighting of Meji (bonfire) during Magh Bihu.
Worship of cattle with mustard oil and turmeric baths.
Traditional Bihu songs and dances performed in open fields and courtyards.
Exchanging of Gamosa (handwoven cloth) as a token of love and respect.
Community feasts where rice, fish, meat, and sweets are shared.

Special Dishes and Culinary Delights of Bihu

Food plays a central role in Bihu celebrations. Popular dishes include:

Pithas: Rice cakes made with coconut, sesame, and jaggery.
Larus: Sweet balls made of sesame seeds, rice powder, or coconut.
Fish and Meat Curries: Essential to Assamese feasts.
Rice Beer (Apong): A traditional beverage made by tribal communities.
Freshly harvested rice and vegetables feature prominently in meals.

Music, Dance, and Folk Performances during Bihu

Bihu is synonymous with dance and music, which are integral to Assamese culture.

Bihu Dance: Performed by young men and women in vibrant attire, expressing love, joy, and fertility.
Musical Instruments: Dhol (drum), pepa (buffalo horn), toka, and cymbals accompany the performances.
Folk Songs: Known as Bihu Geet, these songs celebrate nature, love, and farming life.
Cultural Competitions: During Rongali Bihu, contests for singing, dancing, and traditional games are common.

Bihu in Temples: Spiritual Observances

Although Bihu is primarily a secular, agrarian festival, it has spiritual elements:

Lighting lamps in fields during Kati Bihu for divine blessings.
Offering prayers to deities of fertility and prosperity.
Worshipping cattle as symbols of agricultural wealth.
Seeking the blessings of elders for health and prosperity.

Bihu and the Assamese Calendar

Bihu is closely tied to the Assamese calendar:

Rongali Bihu heralds the start of the Assamese New Year with joy and festivity.
In Assam, Kongali Bihu is celebrated when the month of Kati arrives.
Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in the month of Magh.

This cyclical pattern reflects the seasonal and agricultural rhythm of Assam.

Bihu in Different States of India

While unique to Assam, Bihu has parallels with other Indian festivals:

Makar Sankranti in North India.
Lohri in Punjab.
Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Magh Bihu is sometimes compared with harvest festivals in Bihar and Odisha.

This highlights the shared cultural theme of celebrating harvests across India.

Bihu Beyond Assam: Global Celebrations

With the Assamese diaspora spread worldwide, Bihu is celebrated in countries like:

USA, UK, and Canada – Cultural associations organize Bihu dance and food festivals.
Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman): Assamese communities celebrate with traditional feasts.
Singapore and Australia: Cultural events promote Bihu among younger generations.

Bihu has become a way for the Assamese diaspora to stay connected to their roots.

Modern-Day Celebrations of Bihu

In today’s era, Bihu is celebrated with a mix of tradition and modernity:

Television and radio programs showcase Bihu Geet and dances.
Fashion shows highlight Assamese attire like mekhela chador.
Social media and digital platforms are used to spread festive wishes.
Tourism festivals attract visitors eager to witness authentic Bihu celebrations.

Economic and Tourism Impact of Bihu

Bihu boosts Assam’s economy in multiple ways:

Agriculture: Encourages cultivation and sale of rice, fish, and livestock.
Handloom Industry: Demand rises for Gamosa and traditional garments.
Tourism: Visitors flock to Assam to experience Rongali Bihu festivities.
Food Industry: Local markets thrive with sweets, pithas, and traditional snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many times is Bihu celebrated in a year?
Bihu is celebrated thrice—Rongali (April), Kongali (October), and Bhogali (January).

Q2. Which Bihu is considered the most important?
Rongali Bihu is the most significant, as it marks the Assamese New Year and arrival of spring.

Q3. What is the main dance of Assam during Bihu?
The Bihu Dance, performed by men and women in colorful attire, is the highlight of the festival.

Q4. What do people eat during Bihu?
Traditional foods include pithas, larus, fish, meat, and rice-based dishes.

Q5. Is Bihu only a Hindu festival?
No, Bihu is celebrated by all communities in Assam, cutting across religion, caste, and creed.

Conclusion

The Bihu Festival of Assam is more than a harvest celebration—it is the essence of Assamese identity and culture. Through dance, music, rituals, and food, it binds people together in gratitude, joy, and community spirit.

Whether it is the vibrant Rongali Bihu, the spiritual Kongali Bihu, or the festive Bhogali Bihu, each form reflects the deep connection between nature and human life. Today, Bihu not only unites Assam but also resonates with Assamese communities across the world, keeping alive a centuries-old tradition of love, prosperity, and cultural pride.