Bohag Bihu 2024: Date, history and significance of Assamese New Year

Bohag Bihu has its roots in ancient times, when it was celebrated as a fertility festival to welcome the arrival of spring. The festival is intertwined with the harvest cycles and reflects Assam’s rich agricultural heritage. Bohag Bihu is primarily an agrarian festival, celebrating the onset of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of the spring season, which is crucial for the agricultural community.

Bohag Bihu significance and celebrations

Each of the seven days of Bohag Bihu is celebrated in a special way. The first day is called Goru Bihu (Cow’s Bihu). On this day, cows and bulls are bathed with turmeric and adorned with garlands. On the second day, Manuh Bihu (Human Bihu), people put on new clothes and festive food is prepared in the house.

The third day of Bohag Bihu is known as Gosai Bihu (Gods' Bihu) which is dedicated to worship and thanksgiving. The fourth day -- Kutum Bihu or Family Bihu – is when families come together to celebrate the festival of spring and new year. This day is celebrated with traditional games, feasts and by seeking the blessings of the family’s elders.

Mela Bihu, the fifth day, sees plenty of fairs, markets and cultural events where artisans display their handicrafts. The sixth or penultimate day of Rongali Bihu is Chera Bihu (Empty Bihu), which symbolises letting go of the past to make way for the new. On this day, people clean their homes and spend time on introspection.

The last day of this festival is Bohag Bihu, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this day, people wear traditional attire and perform the Bihu dance.