When Is Bohag Bihu 2024? Know Date, History, Significance Of The Assamese New Year

Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, is a significant festival in Assam, ushering in the harvest season and marking the beginning of the Assamese New Year. The festival is celebrated with a vibrant array of customs, lively gatherings, and traditional food and clothing. Apart from Bohag Bihu, Assam has two other Bihu festivals known as Bhogali Bihu/Magh Bihu and Kongali Bihu. Out of all three, Bohag Bihu reigns supreme and is celebrated across the state with unmatched zeal and fervour.

Bohag Bihu 2024: Date

This year, Bohag Bihu will be observed from April 14th to April 20th, 2024.

Bohag Bihu 2024: Origin And Importance

Bohag Bihu traces its roots back to ancient times, reflecting Assam’s agricultural heritage. Historically intertwined with farming cycles, this festival coincides with the start of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. 

However, Bohag Bihu carries significance beyond agriculture, serving as a time for revival, community bonding, and cultural rejuvenation. Communities unite to preserve traditions, strengthen social bonds, and express gratitude for life’s blessings.

Bohag Bihu 2024: Customs And Festivities

During the festivities, traditional Assamese folk songs and dances take center stage, including the energetic Bihu dance and the joyful Husori. The air resonates with the rhythmic beats of dhol and the melodious tunes of the pepa, creating an aura filled with the richness of Assamese culture.

People adorn themselves in colourful traditional attire and accessories, known as Asomiya Gohona. Women typically wear a Mekhala as a lower garment and a Chadar to cover the upper body. They accessorise their outfit with Assamese jewellery and adorn their hair with flowers. The earrings worn by women may include Lokaparo, Keru, Thuriya, and Jangphai, while popular necklaces consist of Golpata, Joon biri, Bena, Gejera, Dhol biri, and Doog-doogi/Dugdugi. Bracelets like Muthi Kharu and Gamkharu are also part of the ensemble.

Men commonly don dhoti-kurtas, often opting for combinations of red and white.

During Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, youngsters partake in lively singing and dancing known as Husori, accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dhol, pepa, and taal. This custom, prevalent in traditional Assamese villages, involves male performers forming groups and visiting households to perform. They sing and play instruments in return for a xorai (a traditional offering tray) and gamosa (traditional cloth) as a mark of respect from the households. 

Bohag Bihu 2024: The 7-Day Festivities

Bohag Bihu unfolds over seven days referred to as ‘Xaat Bihu,’ each marked by unique customs and significance:

• Goru Bihu: This day honours and thanks cattle for their contribution to farming. Villagers gather their cattle for a cleansing ritual with turmeric and black gram paste, followed by feeding them vegetables as a token of appreciation.

• Manuh Bihu: People engage in traditional rituals like bathing with turmeric, cleaning homes, and visiting relatives to seek blessings and exchange gifts.

• Gosain Bihu: Devoted to religious observances and seeking divine blessings for the upcoming year, worshippers flock to temples to offer prayers.

• Mela Bihu: Community spirit flourishes with bustling gatherings and vibrant fairs, featuring cultural displays and traditional sports.

• Kutum Bihu: A day for visiting friends and loved ones, sharing sweets and traditional delicacies.

• Senehi Bihu: Celebrating friendships and strengthening social bonds through visits, gifts, and heartfelt conversations.

• Chera Bihu: Symbolising renewal, old belongings are discarded, marking a fresh start and embracing future opportunities.

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