Rongali Utsav Assam

Marking the first day of the Hindu solar calendar, this is the time for merriment and feasting which continues for seven days in a feeling of joy. With preparations for cultivation of paddy, women make traditional food items made of rice and coconut. However the form of celebrations and rites vary amongst different demographic groups spread around Assam.

Goru Bihu

Usually occurring on April14th, which is the last day of the previous year, Goru Bihu or 'Cattle worship' is the time when cows are washed, smeared with turmeric and other pastes and worshipped. The old cattle-bindings are cast away and new ropes are put in place. The stock is well-fed and allowed to roam as they wish for the day.

Manuh Bihu

Exactly the day after Goru Bihu, elders are shown respect with gifts on this New Year Day. Blessings are sought from the elders and children given new clothes on Manuh Bihu, while people visit relatives and friends greeting one another. Husori singing in the style of bihu-geet begins on this day.

Husori

Husori Bands consist of village elders who move from house to house singing carols and announcing their arrival at the gate with drum-beats. This band is generally welcomed into the courtyard where they sing and perform a ring-dance. The band is finally thanked with offerings, and the performers offer blessings before moving on.

Rongali Bihu is also considered as a 'fertility festival', with the Bihu-Dance portraying sensuous movements by young women using hips, arms and legs. Several other varying versions of this festival around the regions of Assam State include the Fat Bihu, Beshma, Mukoli Bihu, the Jeng Bihu, Baisago and the Bihutoli Bihu.