The Heartbeat of Assam

An infographic exploring the vibrant Bihu festival, the cultural cornerstone of Assam, deeply intertwined with nature and agriculture.

Three Festivals, One Spirit

Rongali Bihu

The Festival of Merriment (Mid-April)

Marking the Assamese New Year, this is the most vibrant Bihu, celebrating spring, fertility, and community joy.

🎶Energetic Bihu dance and Husori songs.
🧣Exchanging Gamosa as a sign of respect.
🐂Honoring cattle for their role in farming.

Kongali Bihu

The Festival of Scarcity (Mid-October)

A solemn occasion when granaries are empty, focusing on prayer and hope for a bountiful harvest.

🏮Lighting earthen lamps (Saki) in paddy fields.
🌿Worshipping the sacred Tulsi plant for protection.
🙏Offering prayers for the health of the crops.

Bhogali Bihu

The Festival of Feasting (Mid-January)

Celebrating the end of the harvest season with full granaries, marked by community feasts and thanksgiving.

🔥Burning ceremonial Meji structures.
🍲Holding grand community feasts (Uruka).
🥥Preparing and sharing countless traditional sweets.

The Bihu Calendar

This timeline shows the distribution of the three Bihus throughout the year, highlighting their deep connection to the agricultural cycle of planting, growing, and harvesting.

The Cultural Essence

💃Bihu Dance & Music

The heartbeat of Rongali Bihu, characterized by brisk steps, swaying hips, and the rhythmic beats of the Dhol and Pepa, expressing youthful passion and the joy of spring.

🧣Attire & Symbols

Women adorn the traditional Mekhela Sador while men wear the Dhoti and Gamosa. The red-and-white Gamosa is a revered symbol of Assamese identity, love, and respect.

A Taste of Bihu: Popular Pithas

No Bihu is complete without Pithas - delicious cakes made from rice flour. This chart shows some of the most beloved varieties enjoyed during the festivities.