Assam, celebrated for its vibrant cultural legacy, hosts its most important festival, Bohag Bihu, with great enthusiasm and celebration. This festival fosters a spirit of joy and unity among the community, allowing visitors to engage in a variety of activities and fully experience the festivities.
Here are six things you can do during the Bihu festival in Assam:
Witness the bihu Dance: Bihu dance is a lively and dynamic expression of Assamese culture. Performances of this dance can be seen at various locations throughout the state during the festival. During Bihu, a range of cultural events and competitions take place, including music, dance, and drama. Attending these programs allows you to experience the vibrant local talent firsthand.
Savor the assamese cuisine: During Bohag Bihu, Assamese cuisine is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Dishes like Til Pitha (rice cakes with sesame and jaggery filling), Narikol Laru (coconut ladoo), and Jolpan (a platter of rice, rice products, and sweet toppings) are staples. Other popular dishes include Maator Tenga (fish cooked in a sour gravy), Papaya Mutton Curry, and various rice-based dishes, often paired with local spices and herbs.
Participate in Traditional Games: To engage in traditional games at Bohag Bihu, seek out events and activities that highlight the festival’s cultural significance. Notable games include Kori Khel (a food fight), Tekeli Bhanga (blindfolded pot breaking), and Rosi Tona (tug of war). Additionally, you may encounter archery competitions, horse races, or buffalo fights, which can vary based on local customs and community traditions.
Locally made gamosa as gifts: Locally made gamosas are indeed a very popular and cherished gift during Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year festival. The Gamosa, a rectangular cotton towel with red borders, holds significant cultural value and is traditionally given as a Bihuwan, a gift of respect and goodwill to elders and loved ones.
Exploring markets: Guwahati, known as the gateway to Northeast India, becomes a hub of activity during Bohag Bihu. Markets across the city are filled with festive energy, as people shop for traditional clothes, decorative items, sweets, and musical instruments. Assam is known for its handicrafts and handloom products, such as silk sarees, gamosas, and bamboo products. You can shop for these souvenirs in the local markets and take back some unique and beautiful items.
Family gatherings and rituals: Families and friends exchange greetings and gifts, strengthening bonds and expressing goodwill during the festival. Families prepare and share traditional Assamese dishes, including pithas (rice cakes) and other delicacies, fostering a sense of togetherness and culinary enjoyment. People seek blessings from elders, expressing respect and gratitude for their wisdom and guidance.
