Bihu Festival

Hello, friends!This is the first time, I am writing for A to Z challenge.  I'll be writing about the Festivals of India. As India  is a secular country, we celebrate all festivals,whether Hindu,Muslim, Christian and Parsi with equal fervor and regard. Today's festival is  celebrated in Assam.

Bihu is a very popular dance of Assam. It is celebrated thrice a year. There are three forms of  Bihus.  

(1) Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in April,

(2) Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in January and 

(3) Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in October/ November. 

Lots of prayers are offered and there is lot of joy and merriment during these  periods. It  provides a great opportunity to the natives of the state to rejoice and have fun and frolic. It is celebrated thrice a year. All the three Bihus owe their origin to ancient rites and practices but they have taken definite urban features and have become popular festivals in urban areas also.

Bihu Dance             

Bihu dance accompaniment

Assam is a state rich in cultural heritage. The people are very closely knit and enjoy celebrating colorful festivities. These activities are associated with rites and rituals, and have closely merged with the culture of the  state. This has encouraged greater bonding of people of different strata of society.  Such festivals have  become a part and parcel of their life.   Out of the three Bihus, Bohag Bihu is the most popular. The basic occupation of the State is agriculture. Hence the festival revolves round  pre-harvesting and post harvesting period.  

 

                           Bihu Dance                                         

 Bohag Bihu is celebrated with the advent of Spring. It is a festival which denotes fun, gaiety and merry making. It is celebrated by performing special songs and dances. In this two day festival, the first day is  devoted  to worshiping a cow. The cows are decorated  and prayers are offered for  the well being of the cow, and more milk production. The second day is known as Manuh Bihu or human worship. After a ritual bath, people adorn themselves in new   clothes.  They  exchange gifts and prepare special Assamese  delicacies.                                                                                                

Day 2

Pics Courtesy Google

Video courtesy you tube                  

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