Rongali Bihu: A dummy's guide to Assam's most popular festival

Origins and significance

It is believed that the origins of Bihu date back to as early as 3500 BC, although the same cannot be verified. Traditionally, the festival has been intrinsically associated with the agricultural cycle.

Bohag Bihu signifies the start of the harvesting period, while Kati Bihu, popularly known as Kongali Bihu, is observed when the granaries are vacant and the paddies are still being grown.

The last Bihu of the Assamese calendar, Magh Bihu, popularly called Bhogali Bihu, marks the end of the harvesting period. On the occasion, people come together to feast in celebration.

Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the Hindu solar calendar. With this being a period of preparation for the upcoming harvesting season, there is a sense of merriment around. Hence the name Rongali.

With time, the assimilation of different cultures has seen Bihu evolve as a festival. Today, Rongali Bihu is celebrated across different religions and classes within the Assamese community.

The celebrations

The first day of Bohag Bihu is celebrated on the last day of the calendar year. On the eve of new year, farmers take their livestock out for baths. The day is traditionally called Goru Bihu, Goru meaning cow.

The first day of the year is called Manuh Bihu (Manuh is Assamese for human). Pithas, traditional cakes, of different varieties are made and shared in Assamese households.

Those observing the festival usually wear new clothes on the first day of the year. In villages, communities gather in Mukoli Bihus (open Bihu stages) to celebrate.

Some villagers, across different age groups, form groups and move from household to household singing husoris, traditional Assamese carols.

In cities, one would find a number of Bihutolis (Bihu stages) in different localities. Cultural programs continue late into the night, sometimes well into the morning in these Bihutolis.