Bihu festival of Assam- Celebrate tradition and bonds

Celebrating Assam Bihu Festivals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Cultural Extravaganza

Introduction
Assam, the land of lush tea gardens, mighty rivers, and vibrant culture, is home to one of the most celebrated festivals in India—Bihu. The Bihu festivals are a trio of cultural events that mark the agricultural cycle of the region, reflecting the essence of Assamese life, traditions, and heritage. In this blog post, we will delve deep into the significance, rituals, and celebrations of the Assam Bihu festivals, offering you a comprehensive guide to this cultural extravaganza.

1.Understanding Bihu: The Heartbeat of Assam

Bihu is not just a festival; it is the heartbeat of Assam. It is celebrated three times a year, each marking a different phase of the agricultural calendar. The three Bihu festivals are:

- Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu: Celebrated in April, marking the Assamese New Year and the onset of the sowing season.
- Kongali Bihu or Kati Bihu: Observed in October, during the time of relocating rice saplings.
- Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu: Celebrated in January, marking the end of the harvesting season.

Each Bihu has its unique significance, rituals, and celebrations, but all are united by the common thread of joy, community, and cultural pride.

2.Rongali Bihu: The Festival of Merriment

Significance and Timing

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most vibrant of the three Bihu festivals. It is celebrated in mid-April, coinciding with the Assamese New Year and the onset of the spring season. This Bihu marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle, with farmers preparing their fields for the new crop.

Rituals and Traditions

- Goru Bihu: The festival begins with Goru Bihu, dedicated to the cattle. Cows are bathed, smeared with turmeric paste, and adorned with new ropes. They are then taken to the fields, where they are fed with special treats like pithas (rice cakes) and vegetables.
  
- Manuh Bihu: The next day is Manuh Bihu, dedicated to humans. People wear new clothes, seek blessings from elders, and exchange gifts. Traditional Assamese delicacies like pithas, larus (sweet balls), and jalpan (light breakfast) are prepared and shared.

- Husori: One of the highlights of Rongali Bihu is the Husori, a traditional form of carol singing. Groups of young men and women visit households, singing Bihu songs and performing traditional dances. The households, in return, offer them gifts and blessings.

Cultural Celebrations

Rongali Bihu is a time of cultural exuberance. The air is filled with the melodious tunes of Bihu songs, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol (drum), pepa (buffalo hornpipe), and gagana (a type of flute). Bihu dances, characterized by brisk steps and graceful movements, are performed in open fields and community spaces. The festival also sees the organization of Bihu fairs, where traditional games, handicrafts, and local cuisine are showcased.

3.Kongali Bihu: The Festival of Austerity

Significance and Timing

Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is observed in mid-October. Unlike the other two Bihu festivals, Kongali Bihu is a somber affair. It is a time of austerity, as the granaries are usually empty, and the farmers are in the midst of tending to their crops.

Rituals and Traditions

- Lighting of Lamps: The most significant ritual of Kongali Bihu is the lighting of earthen lamps (saki) in the paddy fields. These lamps are believed to guide the spirits of the ancestors and protect the crops from pests and evil spirits.

- Tulsi Plant Worship: The Tulsi plant, considered sacred in Hindu culture, is worshipped during Kongali Bihu. A small earthen lamp is lit near the Tulsi plant, and prayers are offered for the well-being of the family.

- Offering to Cattle: Cattle, being an integral part of Assamese agriculture, are also honored during Kongali Bihu. They are fed with special treats, and their health and well-being are prayed for.

Cultural Significance

Kongali Bihu is a reflection of the hardships faced by farmers during the cultivation period. It is a time of introspection, prayer, and hope for a bountiful harvest. The festival underscores the deep connection between the Assamese people and their land, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in their lives.

4.Bhogali Bihu: The Festival of Feasting

Significance and Timing

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is celebrated in mid-January, marking the end of the harvesting season. It is a time of abundance, as the granaries are full, and the hard work of the farmers has borne fruit. The festival is characterized by feasting, merriment, and community bonding.

Rituals and Traditions

- Meji and Bhelaghar: The night before Bhogali Bihu, known as Uruka, is spent in community feasting and bonfires. Temporary huts, called Meji and Bhelaghar, are constructed from bamboo, thatch, and hay. People gather around these huts, sing Bihu songs, and feast on traditional delicacies like pithas, larus, and meat dishes.

- Bonfire Ritual: Early in the morning, the Meji and Bhelaghar are set ablaze, symbolizing the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. People offer prayers to the fire god, seeking blessings for prosperity and good health.

- Community Feasts: Bhogali Bihu is a time of communal harmony and togetherness. Community feasts are organized, where people come together to share meals and celebrate the harvest. Traditional Assamese dishes like fish curry, pork curry, and various rice preparations are served.

Cultural Celebrations

Bhogali Bihu is a festival of joy and abundance. Traditional sports like buffalo fights, cockfights, and egg fights are organized, adding to the festive spirit. The festival also sees the organization of Bihu melas (fairs), where traditional games, handicrafts, and local cuisine are showcased. The air is filled with the sounds of Bihu songs and the beats of the dhol, as people dance and celebrate the fruits of their labor.

5.The Cultural Significance of Bihu Festivals

The Bihu festivals are more than just agricultural celebrations; they are a reflection of the Assamese way of life. They embody the spirit of community, the reverence for nature, and the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Assam. The festivals are a time for families to come together, for communities to bond, and for the younger generation to connect with their roots.

6.Bihu Music and Dance: The Soul of the Festivals

Bihu Songs

Bihu songs, known as Bihu geet, are an integral part of the Bihu festivals. These songs, characterized by their lively tunes and poetic lyrics, celebrate love, nature, and the joys of rural life. They are sung in groups, accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the dhol, pepa, and gagana.

Bihu Dance

Bihu dance is a traditional folk dance of Assam, performed during the Bihu festivals. It is characterized by brisk steps, graceful movements, and vibrant costumes. The dance is performed in groups, with both men and women participating. The dancers move in circles, clapping and swaying to the rhythm of the Bihu songs. The dance is a celebration of life, love, and the spirit of togetherness.

7.Traditional Attire and Cuisine

Traditional Attire

During the Bihu festivals, people dress in traditional Assamese attire. Men wear dhotis and gamosa (a traditional towel), while women wear mekhela chadors (a two-piece saree). The attire is often adorned with intricate designs and motifs, reflecting the rich textile heritage of Assam.

Traditional Cuisine

The Bihu festivals are a time for feasting and indulging in traditional Assamese cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include:

- Pithas: Rice cakes made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. They come in various shapes and flavors, such as til pitha (sesame rice cake) and narikol pitha (coconut rice cake).
  
- Larus: Sweet balls made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice flour. They are a popular treat during Bihu.

- Jalpan: A light breakfast consisting of rice, curd, and jaggery. It is often served with pithas and larus.

- Meat Dishes: Non-vegetarian dishes like fish curry, pork curry, and chicken curry are also prepared during Bihu, especially during Bhogali Bihu.

8.The Role of Bihu in Modern Times

In modern times, the Bihu festivals have transcended their agricultural roots to become a symbol of Assamese identity and pride. They are celebrated not just in rural areas but also in urban centers, where Assamese communities come together to keep the traditions alive. The festivals have also gained national and international recognition, with Bihu dance and music being performed at cultural events and festivals around the world.

9.Tips for Experiencing Bihu Festivals

If you are planning to experience the Bihu festivals in Assam, here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

- Plan Ahead: The Bihu festivals are a busy time in Assam, with many people traveling to their hometowns. Make sure to book your accommodations and transportation well in advance.

- Participate in the Rituals: To truly experience the essence of Bihu, participate in the rituals and celebrations. Join the community feasts, dance to the Bihu songs, and light the earthen lamps during Kongali Bihu.

- Try the Traditional Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the traditional Assamese cuisine. Try the various pithas, larus, and meat dishes, and savor the flavors of Assam.

- Attend Cultural Programs: Many cultural programs and Bihu melas are organized during the festivals. Attend these events to witness the vibrant Bihu dance and music performances.

- Respect the Traditions: The Bihu festivals are deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Respect the customs and rituals, and dress modestly when participating in the celebrations.

Conclusion

The Assam Bihu festivals are a celebration of life, culture, and the deep connection between the people and their land. They are a time for joy, reflection, and community bonding, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Whether you are a local or a visitor, experiencing the Bihu festivals is a journey into the heart of Assam, where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. So, come and immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of Bihu, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.