Festival Of Bihu

Explanation :

• The word Bihu is taken from the Sanskrit word Bishu meaning “to ask blessings and prosperity from the Gods" during harvesting season.
• Bihu festivals occur according to the farming schedule.
• It is the “National Festival of Assam”.

Types

Basically, Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals in the Indian state of Assam-

• Rongali or Bohag Bihu ( April): It marks a new year at the beginning of seeding time.
• Bhogali or Magh Bihu ( January): It marks the end of the harvesting period.
• Kongali or Kati Bihu (October): It marks the completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies.

Celebration

• The Bohaag Bihu lasts for several days during which the youngsters in a village can be dancing in groups dressed joyfully, or they can be seen dancing around the girls in a circle. Such gatherings are called Mukoli Bihus.

Bihu Dance

• The Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Assam state performed on the Bihu festival. Dance is performed by young men and women. People wear traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and Chadar, Mekhala.
• Bihu Dance has become the identity of the northeastern state. The ethnic groups Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Moran, Borahis, etc consider Bihu an integral part of their culture.

Instruments used in Bihu Dnace

• Dhol (Drum)
• Taal
• Pepa (An instrument made of buffalo horn)
• Toka
• Baanhi (Flute)
• Xutuli
• Gogona