The Vibrant Heartbeat of Assam
Bihu, the national festival of Assam, comprises three key celebrations tied to the agricultural cycle. It honors nature, farming, and community while showcasing Assamese culture, uniting people across all faiths and backgrounds.
The three Bihu festivals each represent a key stage in farming: the season's start, crop protection, and the harvest's completion.
Bihu is famed for its vibrant folk tunes (Bihu Geet) and spirited group dances, celebrating love, nature, and community bonds.
Bihu unites Assamese people across faiths and backgrounds, serving as a strong emblem of cultural identity and harmony.
Bihu comprises three distinct festivals spread across the year, each marked by unique traditions and vibrant celebrations.
Observed in mid-April, this festival is the most significant of the three. It heralds the Assamese New Year and the start of the farming season. The occasion is marked by joy, feasting, and lively Bihu dance traditions.
Seen in mid-October as paddy fields thrive and granaries stay bare. This quieter Bihu centers on prayers and safeguarding. Earthen lamps glow in homes and fields, guiding spirits and deterring pests.
Observed in mid-January, it signifies the close of the harvest season. With granaries stocked, attention shifts to meals and communal feasts. A key feature is the building and burning of a 'Meji,' a bonfire crafted from bamboo and hay.
The Bihu festival thrives on vibrant traditions and symbols that define its essence and spirit.
A lively and spirited dance by youth, marked by quick footwork and swift hand gestures.
Classic folk tunes depicting stories of love, nature, and everyday life in Assamese culture.
A white rectangular cloth with a red border, the Gamusa symbolizes respect and honor, commonly gifted during Bihu.
A central tradition of Magh Bihu involves burning a towering bamboo and thatch structure during festive gatherings.
Food lies at the heart of Bihu festivities, particularly Bhogali Bihu. The meals feature freshly harvested rice and regional ingredients.