Assam · Three seasonal festivals · Music • Dance • Harvest

Bihu

Assam Celebrates the Rhythms of the Year

Tags: Bihu · Assam Festival · Rongali Bihu · Magh Bihu · Kongali Bihu · Bihu Dance · Northeast India · Indian Festivals

Bihu
Photo: Bihu, Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons

**Assam's Bihu** traditions reflect the agricultural calendar.

Three Bihu celebrations correspond with different seasons: **Rongali (Bohag) Bihu** in April (spring/new year), **Kongali (Kati) Bihu** in October, and **Bhogali (Magh) Bihu** in January (harvest).

Rongali Bihu — The Assamese New Year

**Bohag or Rongali Bihu** is particularly associated with spring, renewal and the Assamese New Year.

The graceful **Bihu dance** — performed by young women and men in traditional muga silk attire — becomes the visual signature of the festival.

Music, dance, food and community celebrations express the relationship between culture and farming.

Bhogali Bihu and the Community Feast

**Bhogali Bihu** (January) is the harvest celebration — the community gathers around **Meji** bonfires and shares elaborate feasts.

Traditional Assamese sweets like **pitha** and **laru** appear in every home.

Related articles

Related

  • Assam — Explore the state.
  • Northeast India — The 8 sister states.