Harvest Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Bihu
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam, celebrated three times a year marking the agricultural cycle. Rongali Bihu (Bohag, April) is the biggest — the Assamese New Year and the spring harvest festival celebrated with Bihu dance (a vibrant folk dance), Bihu songs, and community feasting. Kongali Bihu (Kati, October) is a sombre festival of lamps when the fields are bare and prayers are offered for good crops. Bhogali Bihu (Magh, January) is the post-harvest thanksgiving feast with community bonfires (Meji) and eating.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring planting season — a time of joy, new beginnings, and community bonding. Bihu unifies all communities of Assam regardless of caste or religion in a shared cultural identity.
Rituals & Traditions
Rongali Bihu: Perform Bihu dance in open fields. Wear new traditional clothes (mekhela chador for women). Exchange Bihu gifts (gamosa cloth). Worship cattle (Goru Bihu). Visit elders and seek blessings. Community feasts. Bhogali Bihu: Build and burn Meji (bonfire). Community feast (Bhelaghar).
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Bihu?
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam, celebrated three times a year marking the agricultural cycle. Rongali Bihu (Bohag, April) is the biggest — the Assamese New Year and the spring harvest festival celebrated with Bihu dance (a vibrant folk ...
Q.What is the significance of Bihu?
Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring planting season — a time of joy, new beginnings, and community bonding. Bihu unifies all communities of Assam regardless of caste or religion in a shared cultural identity.
Q.What are the rituals of Bihu?
Rongali Bihu: Perform Bihu dance in open fields. Wear new traditional clothes (mekhela chador for women). Exchange Bihu gifts (gamosa cloth). Worship cattle (Goru Bihu). Visit elders and seek blessings. Community feasts. Bhogali Bihu: Build and burn Meji (bonfire). Community feast (Bhelaghar).
Q.What foods are made during Bihu?
Pitha (rice cakes), Laru (coconut-sesame balls), Til pitha, Sunga pitha, Jolpan (rice-curd breakfast), Fish curry