The triad of Assamese Bihu – Rongali, Kongali and Bhogali outstands as the key festivals of the state. Bihu is more than a festival for every Assamese. It is a sensation carried from heart to heart through generations. It is a melange of sensory experiences. Sound, scenes, smell, taste and warmth come together to generate the emotion of the three Bihu. The delight of these festivities is a birth right of every Assamese.
Thoughts of Bihu interlace with memories of past and hopes of the future. All the three festivals epitomize the season and nature’s cycle through the year. Each of the three Bihus casts a unique experience.
Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu
Rongali heralds the colours of newness. As earth wakes up to the freshness and hues of spring, Rongali Bihu lines up in the calendar signifying new beginnings. It marks the beginning of Assamese new year. It is also known as Xaat (seven) Bihu since it is observed through the seven phases of Raati Bihu, Sot Bihu, Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Mela Bihu and Sera Bihu.
Out of the three Bihus, Rongali is the most significant one. It presses for a plethora of preparation in every household. The mornings embark with bustling tasks in the kitchen. The sweet aroma of jaggery fused with roasted sesame seeds wafts through the air. Fresh stock of shiny paat silk apparel in many colours flaunts the shop windows. The afternoons coalesce with the rhythm of drum beats for husori practice sessions.
Something special behind these preparations is the emotion that stirs in every unique individual. The heirloom of Bihu rituals is constant but the flavour and expectations of the festivities vary with the age and experience of different individuals.
Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu
Kongali Bihu derives its name from the month of Kartik which is traditionally known as Kati. Kongali Bihu is for the protection of crops. It is observed by somber rituals symbolizing scarcity and hope. Women in villages go to the paddy fields and light earthen lamps with mustard oil, gathering to chant prayers for a prosperous harvest. In an urban courtyard, far off from paddy fields, the women of the household light a diya beneath the Tulsi plant.
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvest season with the beginning of the Indian month Magh. It is observed through feasts and festivities. People create make-shift houses called bhelaghar, usually with locally available materials like hay and bamboo. On Bihu Uruka there are huge feasts to celebrate the harvest. The following day people wake early and gather around the Meji bonfire to make offerings to the Fire God, then relish a traditional breakfast of puffed rice, yogurt, sesame seeds, and jaggery.
Thus, the three Bihu across the calendar keep ushering in feelings of seasons and warm the heart across the year. Let’s unite to preserve the rich heritage of Assam for future generations.