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A Deep Dive into the Different Bihu Celebrations Across Assam
Date 10 January 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
As the earthy aroma of pitha wafts through Assam's lush fields and the infectious beats of dhol-pepa fill the air, you know Bihu is just around the corner. More than just a festival, Bihu is the very heartbeat of Assamese culture. It's a time when communities come together to honour the land, celebrate the harvest, and revel in the simple joys of togetherness. But why is Bihu celebrated? It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, agricultural cycles, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds the people of Assam.
But why is Bihu celebrated with such fervour? What makes this festival so deeply cherished across Assam? Let's dive into the rich tapestry of Bihu celebrations and uncover the essence of this iconic festival.
Why is Bihu Celebrated: Understanding the Significance
At its core, Bihu is an agrarian festival that marks the changing seasons and the eternal cycle of sowing and reaping. It's a tribute to the land, a prayer for a bountiful harvest, and a celebration of life itself. Bihu is celebrated as it’s a deep-rooted expression of gratitude for nature's abundance and a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life.
For the people of Assam, Bihu is more than just a festival – it's a way of life. It's a time to come together as a community, to forget differences and bond over shared traditions. Bihu transcends religion and class, uniting people in the spirit of joy and gratitude.
The Three Types of Bihu Celebrations
Bihu is celebrated thrice a year, each coinciding with a distinct phase in the agricultural calendar. It marks the changing seasons and the cycles of sowing and harvesting, with each Bihu serving as a tribute to nature’s rhythms. While the essence remains the same, each Bihu has its own unique flavour and customs, reflecting the varied agricultural phases and cultural practices of the people of Assam.
Rongali Bihu: The Festival of Merriment
Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, ushers in the Assamese New Year in mid-April. It's a time of unrestrained joy, marking the onset of spring and the sowing season.
The air comes alive with the spirited Bihu dance, as men and women sway to the beats of dhol, pepa, and gogona. Homes are decked with colourful phulam gamosa, and people feast on traditional delicacies like pitha and laru.
To fully embrace the festive spirit, why not wear something as vibrant as the celebrations themselves? A printed kurta from Diwas, with its bold patterns and breathable cotton fabric, would be perfect for dancing and joining in the joyful atmosphere of Bihu.
Kongali Bihu: The Quiet Festival
In stark contrast to the exuberance of Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu in October is a more subdued affair. Also known as Kati Bihu, it marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddy.
During Kongali Bihu, people light earthen lamps near paddy fields, praying for a good harvest. The atmosphere is one of quiet introspection and gratitude.
For this solemn occasion, a simple yet elegant solid kurta from Diwas would be a fitting choice. The clean lines and muted tones reflect the understated spirit of Kongali Bihu.
Bhogali Bihu: The Festival of Feasting
Come January, and it's time for Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu – the festival of feasting. With the granaries full and the hard work of harvest behind them, people let their hair down and indulge in the bounty of the land.
The highlights of Bhogali Bihu are the grand feasts or bhog. Families and friends gather to savour traditional dishes like chira (flattened rice), pitha, and various meat preparations. Bonfires known as meji are lit, symbolising the end of the harvest season.An embroidered kurta would be a dapper choice for the Bhogali Bihu festivities. The intricate threadwork adds a touch of understated luxury, perfect for the occasion.
Why is Bihu celebrated Across Assam: A Comparative Analysis
While the core spirit of Bihu remains the same, the celebrations take on distinct hues across Assam's diverse regions and communities.
- In Upper Assam, the Bihu dance performances are known for their vigour and elaborate costumes. The dhol, pepa, and taal create an infectious rhythm that's impossible to resist.
- Lower Assam, on the other hand, has a more laid-back vibe. The focus is more on community feasts and cultural programs.
- The tea tribes of Assam have their own unique Bihu traditions, blending elements from their ancestral cultures with Assamese customs.
- In the urban centres, Bihu celebrations have a more contemporary flavour, with cultural festivals, rock concerts, and fashion shows adding a modern twist to the traditional festivities.
No matter where you are in Assam, Bihu is a time to dress your festive best. A finely crafted chikankari kurta would be a dapper choice, blending traditional charm with contemporary style.
Bihu Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza
Bihu is more than just a festival. Why Bihu is celebrated is because it is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich heritage of Assam. From the mesmerising Bihu dance to the soulful strains of Bihu geet, every aspect of the festival is a celebration of Assamese identity.
- The Bihu dance, with its rapid footwork and graceful movements, is the centrepiece of the festivities. Troupes of dancers, decked in colourful traditional attire, perform to the beat of dhol and pepa, creating a spectacle that's hard to forget.
- Bihu songs or Bihu geet are another integral part of the celebrations. These folk songs, passed down through generations, speak of love, nature, and the joys of rural life. The hauntingly beautiful melodies have a way of transporting you to another time and place.
- Bihu is also a time when Assam's rich handicrafts tradition takes centre stage. From intricately woven gamosas to hand-crafted japis (traditional Assamese hats), the festival is a showcase of the state's artistic heritage.
As you soak in the sights and sounds of Bihu, don't forget to add a touch of traditional charm to your ensemble. Check out the trendy kurta collections from Diwas, and paired with a crisp churidar, for a fitting tribute to the occasion.
Embrace the Spirit of Bihu and Its Rich Traditions
Bihu, in all its myriad forms, is a festival that celebrates life in its purest form. It's a reminder to pause, to cherish the simple joys, and to come together as a community.
As you explore why is Bihu celebrated across Assam, you'll discover a festival that's as diverse as it is enchanting. From the lively Rongali Bihu to the solemn Kongali Bihu and the indulgent Bhogali Bihu, each celebration has its own unique charm.
So this season, why not embark on a journey of discovery? Immerse yourself in the colours, flavours, and traditions of this iconic Bihu festival. And while you're at it, don't forget to add a touch of festive flair to your wardrobe. With Diwas' exquisite range of traditional kurtas and festive wear, you'll be sure to make a style statement that's as unique as Bihu itself.
Happy Bihu!
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