Bohag Bihu in 2025

Bohag Bihu is one of the major festivals in Assam that marks the beginning of a new year and the onset of spring season. Bohag Bihu is also known as Rongali Bihu which is also known as the harvesting season and is also significant as the first day of the Hindu Solar Calendar. 

When is Bohag Bihu? 

Here are the details regarding when is Bohag Bihu celebrated in the state of Assam: 

1. Bohag Bihu is the regional public holiday celebrated on 14 April every year 
2. Public holiday may be declared on several days depending on which day it falls on 
3. Public holiday is also celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh 
4. The festival of Bohag Bihu is the national festival of Assam, the state of tea garden, the Brahmaputra River, and green forest 

Traditions of Bohag Bihu 

The following are some of the significant traditions of Bohag Bihu: 

1. Three types of Bihu are celebrated during the year, which are Rongaali Bihu or Bohag Bihu (April), Kati Bihu or Kongaali Bihu (October), and Magh Bihu or Bhogaali Bihu 
2. The three types of Bihu markes the advent of seeding time, sowing and transplantation of the saplings, and culmination of the harvesting period, respectively 
3. Bohag Bihu is celebrated in the middle of April 
4. The festival marks the onset of spring and beginning of a new year 
5. The festival starts on 14 April and continues for seven days 
6. The first day of Bihu is known as ‘Garu Bihu' on which the household cattle are taken bath in the river and people pray for the wellbeing and safety of their livestock 
7. The second day is 'Manuh Bihu' where people take a bath with paste of turmeric and celebrates the day by feasting together and visiting the house of neighbour and relatives 
8. The third day of Bihu is the 'Guxai bihu' and the fourth day is ‘Taator bihu' which are bihu of household deities and handlooms, respectively 

1. The sixth and seventh day 'Gharosia Jibar bihu' and 'Chera bihu', respectively 
2. The festival is celebrated by performing folk songs and dance known as ‘Bihu Geet’ and Bihu dance accompanied by traditional Assamese instruments.

The Significance of Bohag Bihu 

Bohag Bihu signifies the harvest season and the start of the spring season. It brings along singing, festivities and feasting. Men and women perform the traditional Bihu dance marking the celebration of the new year. Bihu is celebrated over a span of seven days. In observance of Bohag Bihu, people wake up early and bathe with raw turmeric and urad dal paste, wear new clothes and seek blessings from elders followed by jalpan - a light breakfast of sticky rice along with curd and jaggery.  

During Bohag Bihu, there are seven phases: Chot, Raati, Goru, Manuh, Kutum, Mela and Chera. Let's review them in detail. 

1. Raati Bihu: It begins on the first night of the month of Chot. This phase is performed under an ancient tree or in an open area illuminated by burning torches. 

1. Chot Bihu: This phase marks the beginning on the second day of the month of Chot Mah and the day is marked by Bihu songs and dances. 
2. Goru Bihu: This phase is associated with the agricultural roots of Assam and the significance of livestock. 
3. Manuh Bihu: The phase marks the first day of Vaisakh month of the Hindu calendar (Manuh refers to elders). It involves the tradition of seeking elders' blessings. 
4. Kutum Bihu: The second day of the month of Vaisakh month and involves the tradition of people visiting their relatives and friends and the day is marked with sumptuous lunch or dinner. 
5. Mela Bihu: This is the third day of Bihu and is marked with cultural events and competitions. 

1. Chera Bihu: Also known as Bohagi Bidai, it's the fourth and final day of Rongali Bihu with the celebration concluding with future resolutions. 

How Bohag Bihu is celebrated

Bohag Bihu is celebrated with colourful and vibrant clothes with young boys and girls donning dhoti, gamosa and saadar mekhela while they perform Bihu songs and dance showcasing the culture and the significance of Bohag Bihu. At several places, the festival witnesses Bihu fairs where people of Assam gather to take part in games and enjoying Assamese delicacies.

A good credit score can help you secure lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.

Get Free Credit Score