Bohag Bihu is one of the most popular festivals of Assam and held for celebrating the Assamese New year. Although the Assamese celebrate Bihu thrice in a year, the Bohag Bihu is the most anticipated one. The three Bihu’s are:
Bohag or Rongali Bihu
Kati or Kongali Bihu
Maagh or Bhogali Bihu
The festival of Bihu is traditionally tied to the changing seasons and harvests. The Bohag Bihu is celebrated for many days beginning from 14th of April every year. The celebrations range from one week to almost a month depending on the communities and tribes’ decision.
On the first day of the festival, cows and bulls that are the main stay of the community are bathed and fed. This ceremony is called the ‘Gora Bihu’.
The second day is the main day of the celebrations that constitute Bihu, as people greet one another and they exchange Gamosa (a handwoven cotton towel) with their relatives. All the houses prepare Pitha or a traditional dish made of rice powder, flour, sesame, coconut and jaggery. They also organise stages where men and women from all communities come together to perform the Bihu Dance.