Bihu - Important Festival of Assam

These are some of the most important cultural festivals of Assam called Bihu, which can be broadly divided into three categories, the Bohag Bihu, the Kongali Bihu and the Bhogali Bihu.

Bohag Bihu

Also known as the Rongali Bihu, it augurs a wish for a good harvest, since this is the time when the farmers start sowing seeds. On the onset of the Assamese New Year, this is the time for feasting and merrymaking along with folk singing which are known as bihu songs or 'Bihu Geet'.

Kongali Bihu

Celebrated during mid-October, this festival is also called the 'Kati Bihu', which is observed to mark the cutting and binding of the grains. It has a totally different flavor as the atmosphere is solemn and constrained with work and less of merry making. Earthen lamps are lit on this day all around the household and the paddy fields. Generally associated with lighting, lamps are also lit at the tip of a tall bamboo pole, so as to show the souls of the dead the way to heaven.

Bhogali Bihu

Occurring during mid-January, it is also called the ‘Magh Bihu’. With plenty of eating and enjoyment, this harvest festival marks the end of the harvest season. Men-folk go to their fields and stay in a makeshift cottage during the night and where they prepare food and community feasting is observed everywhere. With plenty of exchange of sweets and greetings during this time, this night is spent with people beating the 'Dhol' and singing bihu songs.