Rongali Bihu 2025: Celebrating Assamese New Year and Agricultural Renewal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Rongali Bihu / Bohag Bihu |
| Location | Assam |
| Date | Mid-April 2025 |
| Significance | Marks the Assamese New Year and beginning of the agricultural season. Celebrates spring, harvest, Assamese identity, culture, and community spirit. |
| Historical Context | Originates from agrarian traditions and seasonal rhythms. Name derived from 'Rong', meaning joy or celebration. |
| Duration | Seven days (known as Xaat Bihu). |
| Key Days | 1. Goru Bihu: Dedicated to cattle. <br> 2. Manuh Bihu: Focuses on human celebrations. <br> 3. Gosain Bihu: Deity worship. <br> Remaining days involve rituals and gatherings. |
| Rituals | Goru Bihu: Cattle are washed, decorated, worshipped. <br> Manuh Bihu: People wear new clothes, seek blessings, exchange gifts. <br> Gosain Bihu: Prayers for prosperity. |
| Traditional Attire | Women wear mekhela sador, men wear dhoti-kurta. |
| Culinary Highlights | Chira, Pitha (e.g., til pitha, ghila pitha), Laru, Doi-Gur. |
| Cultural Practices | Bihu dances, dhol-pepa performances, melas (fairs). |
| Modern Celebrations | State-sponsored events, Bihu dance competitions, youth participation, potential UNESCO recognition. |
| Global Observance | Celebrated by Assamese diaspora through Bihu sammelans and gatherings. |