Bhogali Bihu Festival 2025, Assam

Overview

Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival and is celebrated a year thrice. First comes Rongali Bihu, which according to the Hindu calendar, comes in Vaishakh and shows the arrival of spring. Bhogali Bihu in India is celebrated in the month of Paush, on which a figure made of bamboo is worshipped by setting a fire. Kangala Bihu is celebrated in the month of Kartik, and no enjoyment is celebrated on this day. This festival also marks the beginning of the sun's movement towards the Tropic of Cancer. The word Bihu has been derived from the Deori word Bisu which means "excessive joy."The original form of Bihu continues among the Chutias, Sonowal Kacharis, and Deoris. These groups, known as Sadiyal Kacharis, were associated with the historical Kingdom of Sadiya.

History And Rituals Of Bhogali Bihu

Bihu is a harvest festival and is celebrated a year thrice. First comes Rongali Bihu, the Bhogali Bihu, and the Kangala Bihu. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in the month of Paush, on which a figure made of bamboo is worshipped by setting a fire. The word Bihu has been derived from the Deori word Bisu which means "excessive joy."The original form of Bihu continues among the Chutias, Sonowal Kacharis, and Deoris. These groups, known as Sadiyal Kacharis, were associated with the historical Kingdom of Sadiya. The word 'Bihu' is derived from the language of the Dimas people. Dimasa is one of the oldest inhabitants of Assam. The word 'bi' means 'to ask,' and 'hu' means 'peace and prosperity.

Celebration Of Bhogali Bihu

People offer prayers to the gods, prepare traditional dishes, and organize get-togethers. Uruka, on the eve of Bihu, young men build makeshift huts in the fields using leaves, bamboo, and thatch. These huts are called Bhelaghar. On the morning of Bihu, people lit bonfires or Meji and offered prayers to the gods. At night, all the people make delicious food and spend the entire night singing and dancing around the bonfire. The next day, Magh Bihu in India is celebrated. People take a bath early in the morning and burn off the Meji. People enjoy several Assamese games, such as buffalo fighting, tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking), cockfights, and egg fights. Rice cakes are the main food item made on the day of Bihu and distributed among others. Several rice cakes include til pitha, narikol pitha, tekeli pitha, sunga pitha, and ghila pitha. Laru, a sweet made of coconut, is also prepared. They are made of sesame, coconut, and murmura (puffed rice).

Dates Of Bhogali Bihu

Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in the month of Paush, i.e., January. It was celebrated on the 15th of January this year.

Key Attractions Of Bhogali Bihu

• Traditional instrumental music performances
• Mouthwatering dishes to try on the fairgrounds
• A fair is organised in Assam, where you can buy souvenirs, crafts, religious items, etc.
• Witness the locals performing dance and music performances