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Bohag Bihu: Dates, History, and Festive Traditions in Assam
Date 10 April 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
The soulful strains of the pepa and the taal fill the air. Colourful mekhela chadars swirl gracefully as dancers sway to the Bihu dhol. The joyous spirit of Bohag Bihu, the biggest festival of Assam, is here again.
As the Assamese month of Bohag (mid-April) dawns, it's time to welcome the Assamese New Year with the sest and seal of Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu. This three-day harvest festival is a beautiful blend of age-old Bihu history and exuberant merry-making that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Assam. Here's all you need to know about Bohag Bihu 2025.
What is Bohag Bihu?
Bohag Bihu festival is one of the three main Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam, alongside Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu) in January and Kongali Bihu (Kati Bihu) in October. Of these, Bohag Bihu is the most anticipated and significant, as it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
The festival coincides with the start of the Assamese solar calendar's first month, Bohag. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the sowing of new crops, symbolising a fresh start and renewed hopes. The word 'Bihu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Bishu', which means "to ask for prosperity and happiness from the Gods."
The Significance of Bohag Bihu in Assam
Bohag Bihu festival is more than just a festival - it is an intrinsic part of Assamese identity and culture. It is a time when the entire state comes alive with a sense of unity, joy, and festive fervour.
Bihu celebrates the timeless bond between humans, nature, and the divine. Farmers offer the first harvest and seek blessings for a bountiful year ahead. Families get together to feast, sing, and dance. New clothes are worn, and homes are cleaned and decorated. The young and old alike partake in the revelries with great enthusiasm.
This festival is also a beautiful reminder of Assam's agrarian roots. Bihu history—its rituals and customs are deeply entwined with the rhythms of rural life, the changing seasons, and the eternal cycle of sowing and reaping. In an increasingly urban world, Bihu keeps Assamese people connected to their heritage.
Bohag Bihu 2025: Key Dates and Events
In 2025, the Bohag Bihu dates are from April 14 to April 20. Here are the key events:
- Goru Bohag Bihu festival dates (April 14): The first day of Bohag Bihu 2025 is dedicated to cattle, the backbone of Assam's agrarian economy. Farmers bathe their cows and buffaloes, adorn them with garlands, and treat them to special delicacies.
- Manuh Bohag Bihu festival dates (April 15): The second day of Bohag Bihu 2025 is all about people. Dressed in their finest ceremonial attire, Assamese people visit family and friends, seek blessings from elders, and exchange bihuwan.
- Gosai Bohag Bihu dates (April 16): The third day of Bohag Bihu 2025 is devoted to the gods. People visit temples to offer prayers and seek divine blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
The festivities, despite the Bihu festival dates, continue with song, dance and merrymaking until the saptami of the new month.
How Bohag Bihu is Celebrated in Assam
Bohag Bihu is synonymous with unbridled festive cheer, warm hospitality, and age-old traditions. Here's a glimpse into how Assam celebrates its most beloved festival:
Traditional Foods and Dances of Bohag Bihu
No Bohag Bihu 2025 celebration is complete without an array of mouth-watering delicacies. From the savory til pitha and ghila pitha to the sweet narikol laru and til laru, Assamese cuisine is at its best during Bihu.
The star of the festival, though, is the Bihu dance. Performed to the rhythmic beats of the dhol, pepa and gogona, the Bihu dance is characterised by brisk steps, rapid hand movements and a lot of fun. Young men and women dressed in colorful mekhela chadors and muga silk dhotis dance in gay abandon, celebrating the spirit of youth and romance.
Planning to join the Bihu festivities? Don't forget to pack a few festive kurtas from Diwas' festive wear collection. Their cream white chikankari kurta or yellow sequinned kurta will help you blend right in!
Bohag Bihu and Assamese Culture
More than just a festival, Bohag Bihu 2025 is a beautiful representation of Assamese culture. It reflects the state's deep connection with nature, its rich agrarian traditions, and the warm, fun-loving spirit of its people.
From the traditional Assamese gamosa that's exchanged as a Bihu gift to the folk songs sung during the Husori processions, every aspect of Bihu history is steeped in cultural significance. It's a time when Assam's populace comes together, forgetting all differences, to celebrate the simple joys of life.
If you're looking for the perfect Bihu outfit, check out Diwas' stunning collection of shiny kurtas. A white sequinned kurta paired with a colorful gamosa is sure to make you stand out in any Bihu gathering!
The Importance of Bohag Bihu 2025
As we gear up for Bohag Bihu 2025 with the Bohag Bihu dates discussed, it's heartening to see how this ancient festival continues to be cherished and celebrated with great pomp across Assam. In an era of globalisation, festivals like Bihu, regardless of the Bihu festival dates, play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community spirit.
Bohag Bihu festival is a beautiful reminder to pause, cherish the simple joys of life, and reconnect with our roots. It is a celebration of the eternal cycles of nature, of the indomitable human spirit that finds joy and hope even in the face of adversity. And while you celebrate, don't forget to check out Diwas for the latest in festive fashion to make your Bihu look on point. Dress up in your best from Diwas' latest arrivals, participate in the festivities, and let the joy of Bihu fill your heart!
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