Bihu - The Festival of Assam

Festivals in any part of the world has its own earthly charms and depicts the fragrance of the land where it is celebrated. Bihu - The festival of Assam is not just a festival we wait to celebrate all through the year, in fact Bihu is the lifeline of Assam.

Bihu is a celebration of life, love and is in the true spirit a festival celebrating unity in diversity. People in Assam irrespective of economic strata, religion caste and community. Bihu comes thrice a year...but remains in our heart all through the year.

What comes to your mind with the word ' BIHU'. Share your experiences on various aspects of this festival.

Hi Mayuri, Thanks for this wonderful thread. I'd also like to share some information will my fellow ILites about this national festival of Assam. The Assamese celebrate three types of Bihu in a year - Rongaali Bihu or ‘Bohaag Bihu’, Kati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu and the last but not the least Magh Bihu or Bhogaali Bihu’.

The origin of the word ‘Bihu" is said to be from the Sanskrit word ‘Vishu’.

The Bihus mark three distinct phases of the farming calendar for the native crop of Assam i.e. paddy. Bohaag Bihu celebrated in Baishakh marks the advent of the seeding time, the Kati Bihu celebrated in the month of Karthik marks the completion of sowing of paddy and transplantation of the saplings (‘Kothia’) and finally Magh Bihu celebrated in the month of Magh marks the culmination of the harvesting period.

Which is your favorite Bihu?

Hi, I'm really interested to know about the festival. Recently, I saw a programme on Bihu, I guess it was Rongali Bihu. There was Bihu Dance and yes..yesterday I saw a contestant from Assam perform Bihu dance in a reality show 'Dance India dance'. That was fabulous.

Can you please tell us something more about this festival and Bihu dance?

Happy posting!
Sonia

Hello Sonia, What you have seen Sunita Gogoi perform in Dance India Dance is indeed Bihu dance. This is very much a part of our culture and way of life. Just as 'Bhangra' represents a form of joyous expression in any events amongst Punjabis, Bihu depicts the Assamese way of life.

You are right, what we recently celebrated in mid-April is Rongali Bihu. ‘Rongaali Bihu’, the most important Bihu of all the three, is celebrated in the month of Bohaag (middle of April), the first month of the Assamese calendar and thus marks the advent of the Assamese New Year. This Bihu is also known as Rongaali ( ‘Rong’ denoting joy in Assamese) Bihu due to the merriment that predominates the celebrations. This festival also coincides with the advent of the spring season in the state. Bihu Dance and Bihu Songs are the main features of this Bihu.

Hi Sonia, Its great that you loved Bihu dance. The rhythm of bihu is such that you just can't hold yourself from dancing.

Bihu dance is mainly performed during Rongali 'Bohaag bihu'. The folk songs associated with Bohaag Bihu are known as ‘Bihu Geet’; Bihu Geet is symbolic of communication of love and romance among the village youth and the village belles. The dances are accompanied by traditional Assamese instruments like the Dhol (the Drum), Pepa, Gagana, Bahi, Toka etc..

Traditionally Bihu is celebrated with Bihu dance and Bihu Geets in the village fields and courtyards, with groups of youths going from house to house, singing Bihu songs which is known as Husori. The same practice slowly got transformed to holding community functions mainly in towns and cities where cultural functions are held; such functions are based on Bihu dance and Bihu geets which depict mainly Bihu dances and songs. Competitions are held and performing group from every corner of Assam join in and even move from one city to another to take part.

Has any ILite performed or seen an event like this? Have you ever taken part in Bihu dance. Share with us.