Bohag Bihu (2024), Why Do We Celebrate

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.

Bohag Bihu Information

Topic Knowledge
Date 14th April 2024 - 20 April, 2024
Festival Name Bohag Bihu
Meaning Seven Bihus
Significance New Year
Observation Assam
Rituals 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
Duration 7 days
Type Social , Cultural, Religious
Frequency Annual
Spiritual importance People pray during this a good harvest season and also perform other religious customs.

How to Celebrate 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).

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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) 

Bohag Bihu Seven Days Celebration

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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