Assamese New Year and Harvest Festival

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Bihu (বিহু — Assamese Festival)

Overview

Bihu is the collective name for three festivals celebrated by the Assamese people, marking the agricultural cycle. Unlike most Indian festivals, Bihu is not tied to a specific religion — it is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and tribal communities alike.

The Three Bihus

1. Rongali (Bohag) Bihu (April): The Assamese New Year and spring festival. Young people wear traditional dress (mekhela chador, dhoti-gamosa) and perform the Bihu dance. Special dishes: til pitha, narikolor laru.

2. Kongali (Kati) Bihu (October): A solemn festival during the lean rice-growing season. Earthen lamps (saki) are lit at the base of tulsi plants and rice fields. Fasting and prayer for a good harvest.

3. Bhogali (Magh) Bihu (January): The harvest festival, celebrated with community feasts (meji), buffalo fighting, and bonfires. Traditional structures called "meji" and "bhelaghar" are built and burned.

Bihu Dance and Music

The Bihu dance is characterized by brisk, rhythmic movements, with dancers swaying hips and using hand movements to mimic daily activities. The music features the dhol (drum), pepa (buffalo horn pipe), and gogona (bamboo jaw harp).