Bohag Bihu: Assam’s Vibrant New Year Festival and Its Traditional Musical Instruments
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, marks the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and cultural richness. As one of Assam’s most important festivals, Bohag Bihu showcases the state’s vibrant traditions, dance forms, and melodious folk music played on age-old instruments.
What is Bihu?
Bihu is a major festival of Assam, celebrating seasonal changes and linked closely to agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. There are three types of Bihu:
- Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu) – Celebrated in April, it marks the Assamese New Year and the start of the sowing season. It’s the most festive Bihu, known for traditional dance, music, and community celebrations.
- Kati Bihu (Kongali Bihu) – Observed in October, it is a quieter festival focused on prayers for a good harvest. Farmers light lamps in fields and worship the Tulsi plant.
- Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu) – Celebrated in January, it marks the end of the harvest season. Communities hold feasts, light bonfires (Meji), and enjoy traditional foods.
Bihu reflects Assam’s agrarian culture and promotes unity across communities.
Bohag Bihu: Festival of Spring
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the most vibrant and widely celebrated festival in Assam. It marks the onset of the Assamese New Year and welcomes the spring season with immense joy, music, and cultural expressions.
Observed during the first month of the Assamese calendar—Bohag (mid-April)—this festival coincides with other regional New Year celebrations like Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, Vishu in Kerala, and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. However, Bohag Bihu holds a distinct agricultural and cultural importance in Assamese society.
A Festival of Agriculture and Renewal
Bohag Bihu traditionally celebrates the beginning of the sowing season, which is deeply rooted in Assam’s agrarian culture. Farmers prepare their fields, pray for a bountiful harvest, and celebrate the connection between humans and nature. It’s a time of new beginnings, fertility, and hope.
Key Features OF Bohag Bihu:
- Celebrated for 7 days (Sot Bihu)
- Cultural performances and Bihu dance
- Feasting and community gatherings
- Paying respect to elders and cattle
Seven Days of Festivity: The Different Days of Bohag Bihu
The celebrations of Bohag Bihu usually last for seven days and are collectively called “Xaat Bihu” (Seven Bihus). Each day has its own significance:
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Goru Bihu (Cattle Day): The first day is dedicated to cows and livestock. They are bathed, decorated with garlands, and worshipped for their contribution to agriculture.
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Manuh Bihu (Human Day): The second day focuses on personal celebration. People wear new clothes, exchange greetings, and seek blessings from elders.
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Gosain Bihu (Gods’ Day): Devoted to religious observances, offerings are made to household deities.
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The rest of the days—Tatul Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu, and Chera Bihu—include community feasts, fairs, singing, dancing, and farewell rituals.
Why is Bohag Bihu important?
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Preserves Assamese Culture: It safeguards the rich folklore, dance, music, and customs that define Assamese identity.
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Promotes Unity and Joy: Bohag Bihu brings together people of all ages, communities, and backgrounds to celebrate life in harmony.
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Supports Folk Arts and Artists: Traditional musicians and artisans continue to thrive through Bihu performances and instrument-making.
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Agricultural Significance: Being closely tied to the sowing season, it reflects the values of sustainability and gratitude toward nature.
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Global Recognition: Assamese diaspora around the world now celebrate Bihu, making it a global cultural symbol of India’s diversity.
Whether you’re an enthusiast of folk culture, a student researching Indian festivals, or someone eager to experience something truly soulful, Bohag Bihu is a festival that speaks to the heart.
Instruments Used in Bohag Bihu
1. Dhol
A double-sided drum made of wood and animal hide. It is the main percussion instrument in Bihu performances, providing the rhythmic foundation for the dance.
2. Pepa
A wind instrument traditionally made from buffalo horn. It produces a sharp, festive sound that marks the beginning of most Bihu musical performances.
3. Gogona
A bamboo jaw harp held between the teeth and plucked with fingers. Commonly played by women, it adds a rhythmic, vibrating sound to the music.
4. Taal (Cymbals)
Small brass or bronze cymbals used to maintain tempo. They complement the beat of the Dhol and enhance the festive atmosphere.
5. Xutuli
A clay or bamboo wind instrument shaped like a half-moon. It mimics natural sounds, especially bird calls, and is often played by girls during Bihu songs.
6. Tokari / Dotara
Traditional string instruments occasionally used in extended folk performances. They provide melodic depth alongside percussive elements.
Bohag Bihu is not just a seasonal festival—it is the heartbeat of Assamese identity and pride. Rooted deeply in nature, agriculture, and tradition, it celebrates more than just the new year. It honors community spirit, ancestral values, and the eternal rhythm of life.
In an age where digital life often distances us from our roots, Bohag Bihu stands as a reminder of our connection to nature, music, and shared heritage. The infectious beats of the Dhol, the sharp sound of the Pepa, the soft hum of the Gogona, and the graceful moves of the Bihu dance tell a story passed down through generations.
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