Rongali Bihu : A Celebration of Joy and Happiness

 

A happy feel in the air, fresh leaves in the trees, and flowers like “Togor” (Wax Flower), “Nahor” (Ceylon Ironwood Flower), “Kopou” (Foxtail Flower) blooming all over the place. Surely this indicates that Rongali Bihu is coming very soon. Rongali Bihu also known as Bohag Bihu is celebrated in Assam in the month of Bohag (mid-April) which is also starting of Assamese New Year. It reflect the emotions of joyfulness and the change of season. Bohag Bihu is celebrated in the time when the state’s agriculture is about to start up and people seek blessings from God for good harvest and prosperity for all.

Bohag Bihu is celebrated over seven days known as “Xaat Bihu” (meaning 7 days celebration) which are:

• Goru Bihu
• Manuh Bihu
• Gosain Bihu
• Tator Bihu
• Nangolor Bihu
• Senehi Bihu
• Sera Bihu

The first day of the Rongali Bihu is known as Goru (Cow) Bihu. On this day, all cows and cattle herds are washed with a mix of black gram, mustard oil, raw mango and turmeric paste and softly whipped with “Dighlati” leaves (sc. Name: Litsea salicifolia) to get rid of flies. After the bath, the cows or cattle were fed with vegetables such as brinjal, bottle gourd, turmeric and prayers are offered to thank them for their help in the fields.

The following day, which is also the first day of Assamese New Year is Manuh Bihu. On this day, people take bath early morning and wear new cloths. It is customary in Bohag Bihu that Youngers seek blessings from the elders and “Gamosa” (an Assamese traditional cloth) is gifted to each other as a token of love and respect.

Gosai Bihu is celebrated in the third day of Bohag Bihu. In this day, people go to “NaamGhor” (a place of worship for Assamese people) and pray to God for good health, good harvest and protection from evil.

Taatsal, a gadget, which is used to weave cloths is one of the most important elements in every Assamese households. Taatsal has a special place in Assamese culture and Tator Bihu is celebrated in conjunction with this special gadget in the fourth day of Bohag Bihu.

Nangol is the main tool for tilling of the soil for agricultural cultivation. This device is also very close to the heart of Assamese people and hence celebrated as Nangolor bihu on the fifth day of Rongali Bihu.

The sixth day is known as Senehi Bihu and it is celebrated as a day of love. On this day, the youths meet their beloved ones and presents them “Bihuwan” (gifts, mainly Gamosa).

Sera Bihu is the last day of the celebrations. On this day, fares are organized in the different parts of the state where people come and participate in large numbers.

During this festival, Assamese woman apply “Jetuka” (Mehendi) on their hands, wear Mekhela Sador (as Assamese traditional cloth) made of Pat and Muga silks and adorn their buns with Kopou flower.

Bihu songs and dance are main attraction of Rongali Bihu festival. The songs express the traditions and rich culture of Assamese people. Bihu dance is the folk dance of Assam and it is a dance of happiness and joy performed by both men and women in groups. “Husori” is another indispensable part of Bohag Bihu in which group of folks go to different households and sing Bihu songs. People welcome the Husori groups traditionally into their home and honor and pray for the prosperity of the household. There are other forms of Bihu dance such as “Mukoli Bihu”, “Jeng Bihu” and many more performed by people during Rongali Bihu. Customary instruments are used during Bihu performances such as Dhol, Pepa, Taal, Gogona etc.

Food is an indispensable part of a celebration and Rongali Bihu is no exception. People enjoy traditional breakfast including Sira (flattered rice), curd, cream, jaggery, Bora-Saul (sticky rice) etc. A variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as Khar, Alu-Pitika (Smashed potato), Saag (leafy vegetable), meat, fish dishes, especially masor-tenga (fish sour curry) etc. are part of the Bihu lunch and dinner. Assamese special traditional food prepared during Bohag Bihu includes varietirs of Pithas and Larus (made of rice-flour, coconut, sesame seed and jaggery).

Rongali or Bohag Bihu is especially the festival of celebration including Bihu song and dance, mutual respect and love, expression of feeling, marking the beginning of agricultural season etc. and that is why it is one of the most important festival of Assam.