The fertile state of Assam is bordered by the Blue Mountains and fed by the Brahmaputra River. Agriculture is the primary activity of the locals, and the entire civilization is agrarian in nature.
Essentially, Bihu is a celebration of the onset of a new season. The three Bihu festivities each correspond to a significant time in Assam’s agricultural calendar.
Bihu – Let’s know the origin?
The phrase “Bishu,” from which the name “Bihu” originally came, refers to the practise of praying to the gods for prosperity at critical points in the harvesting season. The festival eventually became known as Bihu when the word somehow became twisted over time.
Another source claims that it is generally accepted that the festival’s name derives from two separate terms, “bi,” which means to beg, and “hu,” which means to gift. The name Bihu is a combination of these two words.
Bihu and its existence
The festival of Bihu gives a unique identity to the Assamese people and makes them standout in the history of the nation. Bihu besides being a primary identity of Assam is also a harvest festival. It is celebrated thrice during important junctures of the agrarian calendar.
The first Bihu which is known as the Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu is celebrated for a period of seven days. It celebrates the onset of spring and farmers on this occasion prepare the field for cultivation. There is a general air of feasting and festivity all around in the atmosphere of Assam.
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The next Bihu is known as Kati Bihu and this is more of as subdued occasion. This Bihu is primarily celebrated to seek blessings from the Gods, so that no harm is done to the crops while they are getting ready for harvest.
The last Bihu is known as Magh Bihu. Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvest season. During Magh Bihu, the primary emphasis is on feasting and celebrating, as the granaries are full and farmers are no longer required to worry about their crops.
Celebration of Magh Bihu involves a lot of food and entertainment and is celebrated with much enthusiasm in all Assamese families located in different parts of the World.
Assamese Bihu is one of the most important cultural festivals of Assam, which celebrates the change in seasons. It mainly caters to the agrarian culture and society of the state and marks the beginning of Assamese New Year and harvest season.
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All these three types of Bihu are celebrated during different time periods. Rongali or Bohag Bihu comes in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu is observed in October while Bhogali or Magh Bihu is celebrated in January. There are several interesting facts that people must not be aware of about the vibrant Bihu festival 2018, so read along to know more about this beautiful festival.
Three types of Bihu: Bihu is primarily a collection of three different festivals, namely Rangali or Bohag Bihu (April), Kangali or Kati Bihu (October) and Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January).
Magh Bihu symbolises the end of the harvest season, Rongali Bihu, comes as Assamese New Year while Kati Bihu celebrates the harvest season.
1) Rongali Bihu – the Assamese New Year: Among the three Bihus, this one is the most important as it celebrates the Assamese New Year.
2) Goru Bihu – the first day of Rongali Bihu: On this day, farmers take their livestock and cattle to a river or pond to give them bath, which is considered sacred. Later, they prepare a paste of turmeric powder and pulses known as Mah-Haldi, which is applied on the livestock. The animals are then fondled by the twigs of Makhiyati and Dighalati plants.
3) About Kongali or Kati Bihu: During this time, Bodo people of Assam light lamps and pray to God for a thriving harvesting season.
4) Songs and dance during Bihu: Any Bihu celebration is considered incomplete with melodious folk Bihu Geet (songs) and traditional dance. People during this time, get in their best traditional attire and perform the Bihu Naach. The tune of traditional musical instruments including Toka Xutuli, Baanhi, Dhul and Gogona, add a different kind of flavour in the atmosphere.
5) Animal fights during Bhogali Bihu: Various sports are organised during the Bhogali Bihu, which includes buffalo fighting and cock fighting, among others.