Happy Bihu 2023: How is the 7-Day Rongali Bihu Celebrated? Know the Significance & Rituals

The Assamese community holds three Bihu festivals each year to mark a distinct point in the agricultural calendar.

Rongali Bihu, which usually occurs in April and ushers in the Assamese New Year, marking the beginning of the New Year. The Bohag Bihu which is the most significant Bihu for the community signals the commencement of the planting season. The celebration is beginning on April 14 and will last for seven days involving various customs, rituals, and traditions.

The other two Bihu are the Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu.

Kati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu is celebrated in October and marks the conclusion of the sowing and transplantation of saplings (‘Kothia’).

Magh Bihu or Bhogaali Bihu is celebrated in January/February and marks the end of the harvesting season.

Rituals of Rongali Bihu:

In India, Bohag Bihu also known as Rongali Bihu is a seven-day festival celebrated in Assam. Each day of the festival has its own significance and is celebrated distinctively. Here’s how the 7 Bihu days are celebrated:

Garu Bihu

The first day i.e., today, Garu Bihu is dedicated to cattle, and people take their cattle to the river, bathe them, decorate them with garlands, paint their horns and hoofs, and pray for their well-being.

Manuh Bihu

On the second day of Bohag Bihu, known as Manuh Bihu, people wake up early and start their day by applying turmeric paste to their bodies and taking a bath. Delicious traditional dishes like Murir Laru, Pitha, Ghila Pitha, Til Laru, and Poka Mithoi are prepared, and people greet each other, exchange gifts, and come together to celebrate the festival.

Guxai Bihu

The third day of the festival is the Guxai Bihu which is dedicated to worshipping household deities.

Tator Bihu

On the fourth day, Tator Bihu or Bihu for the handlooms celebrates the importance of handlooms in Assam.

Nangolor Bihu

On the fifth day, Nangolor Bihu is celebrated which is dedicated to farm equipment and celebrates the role of agriculture in the state.

Gharosia Jibar Bihu

On the sixth day, GharosiaJibar Bihu is celebrated for domestic animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats and people pray for their well-being.

Chera Bihu

And, the final day of the festival, Chera Bihu, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people participate in traditional dances like Bihu and Husori, exchange greetings, and enjoy a feast with their friends and family.

Significance of Rongali Bihu:
Rongali Bihu is a harvest festival and is celebrated to mark the commencement of the Assamese New Year. It is a time when people thank the Almighty for a good harvest and pray for a prosperous year ahead. The festival is also a celebration of nature and its bounty. People relish the beautiful spring weather, and the colourful flowers and trees are in full bloom.

Celebration of Rongali Bihu:
Rongali Bihu is a time of celebration and joy for the people of Assam. People wear new clothes, exchange greetings and gifts, and enjoy traditional Assamese dishes. Several cultural programs and competitions are organized, including traditional dances like Bihu dance and Husori. People also participate in sports like sack races, egg and spoon races, and tug of war.
Here are some heart-warming wishes on this occasion that you can share with your loved ones.

• Wishing everyone a Happy Bihu. May we all find the strength we need to overcome our shortfalls and build a better future.

• May the bright Bihu celebrations bring you pleasure and tranquility. Wishing you the happiest of Bihu festivities with your family and friends.

• Let’s warm our hearts and welcome Bihu with open arms. Let’s have a sensational party to kick off the new year.

• May this beautiful celebration fill your homes and hearts with joy, incredible positivism, and zestful energy.

• Let’s begin this New Year with love and positivity. Happy Bohag Bihu!

• Let’s welcome Rongali Bihu with great hope and enthusiasm and look forward to a year full of happiness and prosperity.