![]() Among the Bihus, spring festival called Bahag Bihu is the most important. The Bahag Bihu is also popularly called Rongali Bihu or the Bihu that cheers, while Magh Bihu is the Bhogali Bihu or the Bihu that one enjoys with food and drink. In between comes the Kati Bihu observed on the last day of Aswin, also called the Kangali or Beggars bihu, for there is nothing much to eat at this time. Pavilions are constructed with thatched roofing of hay where feasts are held at night. The merriments include dances on the wild and lusty beats of Dhol and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs for this Bihu are woven around themes of love and often carry erotic overtones. People adorn traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and Chadar, Mekhala. In the morning, the pavilions are set on fire. Festivals take place in a communal way, usually in a Namghar or in open space. Bamboo sticks and banana leaves are profusely used and rather than offering cooked food, nutritious food such as sprouted grams and fruits are offered during worship. Buffalo fights form a part of festivities. ![]() Magh Bihu / Bhogali Bihu Bhogali is derived from the word Bhoga meaning eating or enjoyment. The "Maagh Bihu" marks the end of the harvesting period. People look forward to the coming days without want. It is a harvest festival. On the eve of Bihu day, called "Uruka", i.e. last day of "Puh" ('Pausa') month, women get busy preparing rice cakes and other refreshments. Young men build a temporary shelter in the open; collect firewood, often by stealing, which is permissible on this occasion, for a bonfire. A non-vegetarian feast is held at night. ![]() Kati Bihu / Kangali Bihu Kati Bihu is also called Kangali Bihu (Poor Bihu). It is held on the last day of Aswin (September- October) coinciding with the autumnal equinox. The Kati Bihu marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies. At this time, paddy seedlings begin to grow. There is not much to eat at this time of the year. Accordingly the day is named Kangali Bihu. In the evenings, offerings are made to the 'Tulsi' plant in the courtyard. Little earthen lamps ('Diyas') are lighted at the base of the Tulsi plant, for a whole month. Puja's are offered to God for improved yield of crops. The significance of this Bihu is more in the villages, where farmers go to their respective fields and light "Akash-Banti" or 'sky-lamp' hanging from a tall bamboo, to ward off pests and other insects. Although, Bihu is observed in all parts of Assam, in Goalpara and Kamrup districts of lower Assam and in Darrang district of central Assam (it is also called Domahi here), it is not attended with dancing as in upper Assam. The parallels of Bihu among the races are Baisagu for Bodo Kacharis, Baikhu for Rabhas, Ali- Ai -Ligang for Misings, Bohhaggio Bishu for Deoris. Contemporaries of Magh Bihu are Nara-siga Bihu of Miring, Pushy Par or Tushu Puja of tea tribe of Assam. (Last Updated on : 28-03-2023) |
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Bihu