Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most significant festival of Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. It is a time of joy, cultural celebration, and communal harmony, with Guwahati, the heart of Assam, witnessing grand festivities that bring people together irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The festival, which typically begins on April 14th, lasts for several days and is deeply embedded in Assamese tradition, celebrating nature, agriculture, and human relationships.
As the city prepares for Rangali Bihu, an infectious energy fills the air. Markets buzz with activity as people shop for new clothes, traditional sweets, and gifts for loved ones. The streets of Guwahati come alive with the sounds of dhol (drums), pepa (buffalo hornpipe), and gogona (a reed instrument), instruments that form the soul of Bihu music. From the banks of the Brahmaputra to the vibrant neighborhoods of Chandmari, Beltola, Maligaon, and Fancy Bazaar, the city is transformed into a hub of cultural vibrancy.
The first day of the celebrations, known as Goru Bihu, is dedicated to cattle, an essential part of Assamese agrarian life. In rural pockets of Guwahati and nearby areas, farmers take their cattle to the riverbanks at dawn, washing them with turmeric and black gram paste before letting them graze freely. Even in urban homes, people perform rituals to honour their connection with animals and nature. The evening sees the lighting of earthen lamps, symbolising the removal of negativity and the welcoming of prosperity.
The second day, Manuh Bihu, is all about personal renewal and social bonding. People wake up early, take ritualistic baths, and don new clothes, greeting elders and seeking their blessings. The tradition of tying the “Gamosa,” a handwoven red-and-white cloth, around the neck as a mark of respect is a defining aspect of the festival. Exchanging Bihuwan (gamosa gifts) with loved ones and acquaintances strengthens bonds of friendship and respect.
Food plays a central role in Rangali Bihu, with traditional delicacies such as pitha (rice cakes), laru (sweet coconut or sesame balls), doi (curd), and sira (flattened rice) prepared in every household. The aroma of these delights fills homes, and neighbours often exchange homemade treats, adding to the communal spirit of the festival. Restaurants and street vendors across Guwahati also offer special Bihu thalis, featuring indigenous dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Assam.
The evenings of Rangali Bihu in Guwahati are marked by grand cultural performances, with Bihu dance and music taking centre stage. The open fields of Latasil, the Judges’ Field, and various community grounds host Bihu functions where young men and women, dressed in traditional mekhela sador and dhoti-kurta, perform the spirited Bihu dance to the beats of dhol and pepa. The sight of synchronised footwork, swaying movements, and radiant smiles creates an electrifying atmosphere. These events, organised by Bihu committees, draw huge crowds, including tourist’s eager to witness Assam’s cultural richness.
One of the highlights of the Bihu celebrations in Guwahati is the Husori tradition, where groups of Bihu dancers visit homes, singing and dancing to spread joy and good wishes. In return, they are offered gifts, snacks, and sometimes monetary tokens. This age-old practice strengthens community ties and keeps the oral and musical traditions of Assam alive.
Beyond homes and community grounds, Rangali Bihu is celebrated with grandeur in institutions, offices, and educational centres. Schools and colleges host cultural programs where students showcase their talent in singing, dancing, and reciting poetry related to Bihu. Corporate offices also embrace the festive spirit by organising Bihu-themed events, fostering a sense of unity among employees.
Temples and satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) in and around Guwahati observe special prayers and rituals during Bihu, invoking blessings for a prosperous year ahead. The Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, and Basistha Ashram witness increased footfall as devotees seek divine grace during this auspicious time.
Rangali Bihu is not just about tradition; it is also about modern expressions of Assamese identity. Over the years, Bihu has evolved, incorporating elements of contemporary culture. Popular Assamese singers release new Bihu songs every year, blending traditional rhythms with modern beats, making them appealing to the younger generation. Radio stations and television channels in Guwahati broadcast special Bihu programs, featuring interviews with artists, performances, and storytelling sessions that delve into the festival’s history and significance.
For the people of Guwahati, Bihu is also a time for reconnecting with nature. Picnics, boat rides on the Brahmaputra, and excursions to nearby destinations such as Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Deepor Beel become popular during this period. Families take advantage of the pleasant weather to spend time outdoors, strengthening familial bonds and rejuvenating their spirits.
Despite the modern influences, the essence of Rangali Bihu remains deeply rooted in Assamese culture. It is a festival that transcends generations, with elders passing down customs and values to the youth. In an era of globalisation and changing lifestyles, Bihu serves as a reminder of Assam’s rich heritage and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
As the celebrations draw to a close, the spirit of Bihu lingers in the hearts of the people. The sounds of the dhol fade, but the memories of dance, laughter, and togetherness remain. Guwahati, which has seen countless Bihus over the centuries, once again reaffirms its cultural vibrancy through this festival of joy, marking not just the beginning of a new year but the reaffirmation of Assamese identity and unity.
(The author is a poet, science journalist, sustainability advocate, former director Assam Seed & Organic Certification Agency, and Assam’s Ex-Joint Director of Agriculture. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
