I’m excited to share something different with you today. As we know, Medium has readers from all over the world, each with their own unique festivals and cultures. So, I want to talk about my homeland, India. When we think of India, we think of its huge population, around 1.4 billion, and its incredible diversity with over 100 languages and 700 tribes. It’s truly amazing, and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
I come from the northeastern region of India, where we’re currently in the middle of celebrating the most anticiapating festival of our state, BIHU. There are three types of Bihu: Magh Bihu, Bohag Bihu, and Kati Bihu. Right now, in April, we’re enjoying Bohag Bihu, which marks our New Year according to our community’s calendar.
Now that you know a bit about where I’m from — Assam, a beautiful state in the northeastern part of India — I highly recommend visiting Assam at least once in your lifetime. Especially if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, visit during festivals like Bihu. From delicious food to warm hospitality, and from the vibrant festivities to understanding the rich history of our region, you’ll have a blast. Assam is often called the “Gateway to the Northeast,” making it the perfect starting point for exploring this fascinating region.
Now lets talk about the festival we are celebrating now, Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is a major festival for us Assamese folks. It’s celebrated in mid-April with lots of joy and festivity, reflecting the rich culture of our community. People dress up in new clothes, welcoming the New Year with open arms. The air is filled with the lively beats of Dhol (Drums) and Pepa (hornpipe musical instrument) as everyone joins in the Bihu dance, exchanging gifts, and seeking blessings from elders for a prosperous year ahead.
During this special time, women showcase the beautiful Muga silk Mekhela Chador (traditional two pieces of cloth that are draped around the body), along with traditional accessories like Dhol Biri, Jonbiri (Halfmoon shape neck piece), and Muthi Kharu (bracelet). Meanwhile, men wear the classic Dhoti paired with shirts woven from Pat silk or Muga silk, and they wrap a Gamosa (handwoven cotton cloth that is a significant part of Assamese culture) around their head and waist, a traditional cloth from Assam.
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is celebrated over seven days. Now let me give you a detailed glimpse into how we celebrate this vibrant festival:
Day 1: Goru Bihu:
“Goru” means cow. This day is all about honoring our primary cattle, the cow, which plays a crucial role in agriculture. The cow is an integral part of our agrarian society and deserves proper care. In Assamese culture, we affectionately refer to a lovable fool as “Goru” as well. On Goru Bihu, we replace the rope (poghda) used to tie the cow in the cowshed with a new one. Then, we take the cows to the riverside for a ceremonial bath, using a paste made of turmeric and black gram. To protect them from mosquitoes, especially as the bug season starts around this time of year, we also dust them with local vines like Dighloti and Makhiloti.
Day 2: Manuhor Bihu: “Manuh” means people. On the second day, we celebrate Bihu. Early in the morning, we wake up, clean our houses, and take showers. Instead of using the usual soap or shower gel, we opt for a traditional paste made by mixing black gram, turmeric, and a little mustard oil. This paste brightens the skin and helps prevent pimples. Later, we also search for various types of green vegetable leaves, aiming for a variety of 101 types. Mixing them all and eating is like medicine, keeping our immune system strong for the rest of the year. We also enjoy flattened rice, curds, jaggery, and sweets prepared for the occasion. The Bihu dance, known as Bihu Husori, is formally inaugurated at the Namghar (prayer hall) during this time. After the inaugration the small troupes of musicians and dancers visit household to household and perform bihu dance in the open.
Day 3: Gosain Bihu:
The third day of the Bihu festival is dedicated to worshipping deities and seeking divine blessings for the upcoming year. On this day, people clean their households and worship statues of gods. They also sing traditional songs praising the deities as part of the festivities.
Day 4: Taat Bihu: The third day of the festival celebrates the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of Assam. Handloom and craftsmanship are thriving industries in Assam, with silk fabric, weaving, and embroidery being the main attractions. This day is dedicated to honoring the looms, tools, and crafts themselves, ensuring that these traditional skills are preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Day 5: Nangol Bihu: On the fifth day, farmers offer prayers for a fruitful harvest, marking the beginning of the cultivation cycle.
Day 6: Chera Bihu: On this day, people clean their homes, getting rid of old and unused items, and decorate them with flowers and new belongings. Some also adorn their homes with rangolis, symbolizing the start of the year on a brighter note.
Day 7: Bohagi Bidaai: The final day is when we bid farewell to Bohag Bihu, the much-awaited festival of the year. It signifies the end until the next year, even as the new year begins. And so, while the festival concludes, a new year starts anew.
In addition, the Bihu dance or performance during Bohag Bihu consists of three types:
Husori: Husori is performed by large groups in a systematic manner. They visit households in a structured order, announcing their arrival with drum beats. Traditionally, the singers are welcomed into the courtyard, where they perform a ring dance. At the end, they are thanked with Tamul Paan (betel leaves and areca nuts) and bless the household for the coming year.
Mukoli Bihu: Unmarried men and women dressed in traditional attire perform Bihu songs related to romance, both requited and unrequited, in open fields.
Jeng Bihu: Jeng Bihu is performed by women. The term “jeng” originates from earlier days when women in villages would dig sticks into the ground to delineate the performance area.
Among these types, I personally love Husori the most.
To conclude today’s writing, I want to express my gratitude to you for reading my blog. If you’re here, it means you’ve taken the time to engage with my article, and for that, I commend you. While the festival may end here, various Bihu events and functions continue until mid-May. However, due to modernization, Mukoli Bihu is becoming less common, especially in cities and towns where it is often organized by clubs and associations. Despite the amazing performances and events, the authentic traditional touch of earlier days seems to be missing in some aspects.
