Rongali Bihu: An essay on the main festival of Assam 2025

Bohag Bihu: The Celebration of Assamese New Year

The name "Rongali" comes from the Assamese word "Rong," which signifies happiness and celebration. Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is not just a festival but a grand celebration of unity, togetherness, and brotherhood. People from all communities and religions come together with enthusiasm and joy to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year. This vibrant festival is deeply rooted in Assamese culture and traditions, making it an occasion of merriment, feasting, and music.

Significance of Bohag Bihu

Bohag Bihu is a seven-day-long festival that holds great cultural and agricultural importance. It marks the arrival of spring and the start of the new harvesting season. The festival begins with Goru Bihu, a day dedicated to honoring and worshipping cattle, acknowledging their contribution to agriculture. This is followed by Manuh Bihu, where people wear new clothes, prepare traditional delicacies, and celebrate the occasion with family and friends.

Gosai Bihu, the third day of the festival, is devoted to seeking blessings from the Almighty. People visit temples and pray for prosperity and well-being. Kutum Bihu, observed on the fourth day, is a time for reunions, where families and loved ones come together to share meals and strengthen bonds.

The fifth day, Senehi Bihu, is a special occasion for exchanging gifts and greetings, particularly among in-laws. Mela Bihu, the sixth day, is celebrated with traditional games such as buffalo fights, egg fights, and cockfights. Finally, Chera Bihu marks the conclusion of the festival, where people bid farewell to the celebrations with hopes and resolutions for the coming year.

Various Forms of Bohag Bihu Celebrations

Huchari

Huchari is an integral part of Rongali Bihu festivities. It involves groups of young men, led by elders, going from house to house singing traditional songs, starting with the village head’s home. Families express their gratitude by offering them a piece of Cheleng cloth, a beautifully woven Gamocha, and a small amount of money. The collected funds are often used for community development, including the maintenance of Namghars (prayer halls), schools, and libraries.

Mukoli Bihu

Mukoli Bihu is celebrated by young men and women who gather in open fields, dressed in traditional golden silk muga attire, to perform Bihu songs and dances. These performances often depict themes of love and romance, capturing the essence of Assamese folklore.

Jeng Bihu

Jeng Bihu is an exclusive celebration for women. Traditionally, women would encircle their performance area with sticks, known as "jeng," and perform beneath trees, earning it the name "Gos Tolor Bihu." This dance and song form is a tribute to the feminine spirit and the bond shared among women.

Bihutoli Bihu

Bihu took a new form when it was first brought to the stage in Guwahati’s Lataxil field in 1962. Promoted by cultural icons such as Radha Govinda Baruah, this urban adaptation of Bihu introduced the concept of “Bihutolis,” or makeshift stages, where performances include traditional dances, stand-up comedy, and solo music acts. The popularity of this format has led to the extension of celebrations with “Bohagi Bidai,” a farewell event held a month later, keeping the festive spirit alive.

Bohag Bihu Wishes and Greetings

Wishes for Family

1. Wishing you a Bohag Bihu filled with love, laughter, and cherished family moments. May this New Year bring joy and prosperity to our home.

2. May the spirit of Rongali Bihu bring happiness, good health, and success to our family. Happy Bohag Bihu!

3. Let us welcome the Assamese New Year with hope and positivity. Wishing our family endless joy and peace. Happy Bihu!

4. May Bohag Bihu bring prosperity, happiness, and unity to our family. Let’s celebrate this occasion with love and warmth.

Wishes for Friends

1. Happy Bohag Bihu! May this festival bring joy, new opportunities, and endless happiness into your life.

2. As the beats of dhol and tunes of pepa fill the air, may this Bihu bring prosperity and success to you and your loved ones.

Wishes for Colleagues

1. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Bohag Bihu! May this New Year bring professional success and personal happiness.

2. May the joyous spirit of Rongali Bihu inspire you to achieve new heights. Wishing you happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

Assamese Wishes

1. আপনাক সবাই বিহুর আনন্দনী শুভকামন হাচে! ( Apunak sobai Bihur anondoni shubhokamona hatse!)

2. আসামীয়া বিহুর আনন্দন নিয়া সুবহ করা আপনাক আহুসু! (Asamiya Bihur ananda niya subha kora apunak ahusu!)

Bohag Bihu is more than just a festival—it is a cultural celebration that reflects the essence of Assam. From traditional rituals to community gatherings and vibrant performances, the festival brings together people in a spirit of joy and harmony. As we celebrate Bohag Bihu, let us embrace the traditions, spread happiness, and welcome the new year with positivity and hope.