Rongali
or Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year from the
first month of the Assamese calendar called Bohag normally falling on April 14 and 15—the
first day belonging to the cattle and the second being the New Year Day for the
Assamese people. Rarely, but this year the dates are 13 and 14 April, 2012. Since
this Bihu also welcomes the advent of the Spring season it is called Rongali
which means fun and frolic. Therefore this Bihu is also known as the Spring
Festival of Assam. As nature takes on a lush green look people too go for new
cloths and celebrate in unison with nature. This is the biggest of the three Bihus
and one of the biggest festivals of Assam.
Bohag Bihu is mainly observed for three days, but celebrations go on
for one full week. First day is called ‘Goru Bihu’ meaning a day
dedicated for the cattle. Villagers acknowledge the great service of their
prized cows and buffaloes by taking them to ponds or rivers for ceremonial bath.
They are showered with garlands of select vegetables that are also fed to them.
The animals are tethered with new ropes and are wished long lives of service as
ever.Second day is called ‘manuh bihu’ meaning Bihu for humans. This being the first day of the New Year people take ritualistic baths and wear new colorful dresses. They visit neighbors and relatives and also welcome them home with special Bihu delicacies.
Young boys and girls break into Bihu songs and dances wearing
traditional costumes. With the rhythm instrument called dhol and the
music of the buffalo-horn pipe called pepa the environs resound and
resonate. Cultural festivals consisting of song and dance competitions are
organized for seven days and celebrity artistes are invited to enthrall the
joyful Bihu revelers in the late evenings. All such festivals are held
in open grounds. In major towns cultural events attain great professional
standards and lucrative awards are given to the competition winners. Groups of
boys and girls also go from house to house performing husori meaning a
special Bihu group song and dance. Husori is also presented
professionally on stages and competitions are also held all over Assam and even
outside by resident Assamese communities. The third day is dedicated to the deities.
People of Assam
look forward to these seven days of fun and frolic and celebrate with Great
Spirit. All communities irrespective of caste and religion participate with
hearts set free and unbound. The month of Bohag also marks an auspicious
time for avid lover couples to get married!
Even after
seven days the celebrations do not stop! The people of Assam also have more unique
celebrations lined up for bidding a fond farewell to Bohag too! The hub of
all funfair is naturally Guwahati—the capital of Assam—and also all other cities and
rural areas.
Happy Rongali
or Bohag Bihu and
Happy New Year to All of You!
