Tags: Assam, Bihu, Blue Duck Holidays, celebrating life, celebration, Dance, Drums, Festival, Food, harvesting, Meji, travel

Celebration is simply a gathering of people and creating moments, memories and bonds which last forever –  memories that we cherish for years to come – memories that we can laugh on and cry on – memories that make us feel happy and glow. India is filled with such gatherings happening everyday in every nook and corner. Indians love celebrations and gatherings –  they in fact have created reasons for celebrations!!!

One such beautiful celebration is of BIHU Festival of Assam – a warm mix of traditional dances, lip smacking food, laughter and more laughter!!! Entire Assam comes together to celebrate the “Bihus” with all fervour. There are 3 Bihus celebrated in Assam (you see celebrations in India never end!!).. 🙂

Bohag Bihu / Rongali Bihu

The biggest, the bestest and the most colourful is Bohag Bihu / Rongali Bihu. It is celebrated in mid April to welcome Spring and also mark the New Year in Assam (all 3 Bihus in fact are celebrated at every turn of season – marking the agriculture shifts as Assam is predominantly agriculture based state).

Ladies adorn their traditional best and practice for days in advance for the month long festival filled with dances, colour, music, handicrafts, performances, singing and above all enthusiasm and love!!! Cows are worshipped, new clothes are adorned and tasty dishes are cooked. Ear soothing Bihu geets (traditional Bihu songs) can be heard all across rendering the beauty to this already enchanting Valley of Himalayas.

Food You Must Try: Pitha, Larus and Jolpan

Kongali Bihu

A more solemn Bihu celebrated in October when the fields are flowing with crops. It is the time when farmers pray to Gods to protect their crops and in turn protect their family and keep it filled with abundance. Earthen lamps are lit and departed souls are also prayed for. Cows are fed with rice preparations in the evening and Assam during this time has a more constrained atmosphere and feel to it. India is a country where even solemnity is celebrated and Kongali Bihu is one such example!!

Bhogali Bihu

Back to fun – filled celebrations!!! Get ready for Bhogali Bihu (the festival of Bhog – eating) in January marking the end of harvesting season!!! Now when the granaries are filled, of course there is going to be food around – this Bihu in particular is all about food (and mind you yummy food!!!), dance and Meji. Meji – a bon fire made out of hay on the night called Uruka – people dance around Meji, offer Rice Cakes to Meji and Worship the Fire God asking for protection and thanking for a wonderful harvesting season. Entire atmosphere is festive and filled with merriment, food and beats of dhol (drums)!!! Come lets Rock and Roll .. 😉

The entire week is celebrated with various sports like Buffalo fights, cock fights, races, etc. It is that time of the year when happiness is shared and multiplied!!!!

Dates: 13th January is celebrated as Uruka and that is the week for the festival as well!!!

India – the land of festivals has so much more to offer given it’s culturally rich diversity. Bihu is one such example given its 3 different forms of celebrations. One needs to experience the celebration to truly feel it. Why don’t you plan your next trip to Assam for a Bihu and gift yourself a Celebration of Life!!!

Blue Duck for now signs off!!!

Happy Travelling and Celebrating!!!