Bihu 2023: All About The Rongali, Kongali, And Bhogali Bihu

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Bihu is the essence of Assam and is celebrated across the state with a tremendous zeal and enthusiasm. There are three Bihu festivals namely 'Bohag Bihu' celebrated in the month of 'Bohag' (Baisakh, the middle of April), 'Magh Bihu' celebrated in the month of 'Magh' (the middle of January), and 'Kati Bihu' celebrated in the month of 'Kati' (Kartik, the middle of October). Each of the Bihu festival has its own significance and is celebrated with its own traditions.

Bohag bihu is Rangali Bihu is meant as a cheer filled Bihu, Kati Bihu is indicative of Kartik bihu, or kongali bihu, and the other festival Magh or Bhogali bihu is bihu of enjoyment. Assam is, in essence, totally connected with nature and the innocence within and enjoys a once in a year opportunity that offers. Bihu celebrates the changing seasons in the nature and also life.

Bihu is the way it reacts to the seasonal changes and commencement of harvest. Assamese New year starts with Bihu. The Bohag Bihu is the part of the year when sowing begins. As Kati Bihu arrives, the sowing and transplanting of paddies gets completed, and with Magh Bihu, the harvest ends.

Bohag Bihu

The Bohag Bihu or the Rongali Bihu indicates mirth and merriment and welcomes the spring and the assamese new year.It goes on for 7 days each of which is called by a name. The first day is called Goru bihu wherein bulls and cows are bathed fed and then tied with freshly prepared ropes. The second day is called Mahuh bihu wherein Men women and kids wear colourful dresses, consume tasty festive food like Pithas, which are the eternal assamese favourites. On the other days, people visit relatives exchange gifts and enjoy the day with loved ones. Gamucha or a handwoven scarf is presented by youngsters to elders as a honorary gift.

Magh Bihu

The Magh Bihu is also called Bhogali Bihu, which celebrates the colour and taste of food. With Magh Bihu, the harvesting season comes to a close. Uruka is the name the eve of the Magh Bihu is referred by. Feasts are arranged around the bon fire and stage is set for grandest gastronomical celebration of the year. The next day of the early morning, they bathe and burn the Meji that is made of bamboo and wood. They gather around it, offer the Maah Khorai and pithas and pray to the holy fire. The day of Magh bihu is significant for the traditional breakfast namely Jalpaan wherein chira or flattened rice, Akhoi, Bora Saul, Kumol Saul varieties of rice are served. To top it, some fresh cream curd and jiggery is distributed. Pithas make the feast really memorable.

Kati Bihu

Kati Bihu, also called Kongali Bihu, is not meant for fun and frolic and it is a serious natured festival. An Clay lamp is lit near the Tulsi plant and prayers are offered for wellbeing of the family and a good harvest. They light Akash Banti or Akasha deepa in the paddy fields which are placed high on bamboo poles to ward off the insects and to keep crops in a healthy condition.

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