The Indian festival of Bihu , its significance & celebrations

 

Bihu is an important festival in Assam, celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle. There are three Bihu festivals celebrated throughout the year: Rongali Bihu (in April), Kongali Bihu (in October), and Bhogali Bihu (in January).

1. **Rongali Bihu:** Also known as Bohag Bihu, it's the most important Bihu festival. It signifies the onset of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Celebrations last for seven days and involve various cultural activities, feasting, and traditional rituals.

2. **Kongali Bihu:** Also called Kati Bihu, it's a more subdued festival observed in October. It's a time for prayers and rituals to ensure a good harvest and protection of crops from pests and natural calamities.

3. **Bhogali Bihu:** Also known as Magh Bihu, it's celebrated in January and marks the end of the harvest season. It's characterized by feasting, bonfires, traditional games, and community gatherings.

During Rongali Bihu, people clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, offer prayers at temples, and exchange gifts and sweets. Traditional folk dances like Bihu dance are performed, accompanied by traditional Assamese music. The highlight of the festival is the community feast where people come together to enjoy traditional Assamese dishes like pitha, laru, and various delicacies made from rice and coconut.

Bihu is not just a festival; it's a celebration of Assamese culture, unity, and the rich agricultural heritage of the region.