Bohag Bihu

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year festival celebrated mainly in Assam, India, each April. Rooted in indigenous traditions, it marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the agricultural cycle, uniting communities in music, dance, and ritual.

• Marks the Assamese New Year and spring’s arrival
• Features seven phases with unique rituals and gatherings
• Cattle are washed, decorated, and honored during Goru Bihu
• Gifting of handwoven Gamusa cloth symbolizes respect
• Major celebrations and fairs held in Guwahati

What it is

Bohag Bihu, or Rongali Bihu, is the most vibrant of Assam’s traditional festivals, marking the start of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. It is celebrated by the indigenous peoples of Assam and brings together communities across backgrounds, focusing on renewal, unity, and gratitude for the harvest. The festival unfolds over several days, each with its own rituals and significance, and is a time for music, dance, and the strengthening of family and social bonds.

Where it comes from

Bohag Bihu has deep roots in the aboriginal cultures of Assam, with influences from Tibeto-Burman and Tai traditions. Its timing coincides with the beginning of the agricultural season and the harvest, reflecting the rhythms of rural life. The festival’s structure, with its seven phases, mirrors the agricultural calendar and the importance of livestock and community in Assamese society. Over time, Bohag Bihu has come to symbolize the unity and diversity of Assam’s people.

How it is celebrated

The festival is marked by a series of phases, each with unique customs. Raati Bihu and Sot Bihu involve communal gatherings, music, and dance, often under the open sky or near prayer halls. Goru Bihu is dedicated to cattle, with rituals of washing, decorating, and feeding livestock, accompanied by traditional songs and playful games. Manuh Bihu centers on family, with offerings to elders and the gifting of the handwoven Gamusa cloth. Kutum Bihu and Mela Bihu focus on visiting relatives and public fairs, fostering kinship and communal joy. The final day, Sera Bihu, is a time for reflection and sharing homemade sweets among friends and family.

Joining in

To experience Bohag Bihu, Guwahati is a lively hub, especially during the Rongali Utsav, which showcases Assam’s tribal cultures. Visitors can expect open-air fairs, music and dance performances, and a welcoming atmosphere. The streets and homes are filled with the sounds of drums and songs, and guests are often invited to share traditional foods and join in the festivities. It’s a time when the warmth of Assamese hospitality is on full display.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Bohag Bihu, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Bohag Bihu on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.