Bohag Bihu Date: Bohag Bihu is a regional public holiday celebrated in the Indian state of Assam on April 14th every year. In Assam, a festival called Bohag Bihu is celebrated with lot of cheer and joy. The harvest season has officially begun. From April 14 to April 16, Bohag Bihu will be observed this year. Farmers worship God on this day, thanking him for the year's bountiful harvest and requesting a prosperous future for the crops in the year to come. 

When is Bohag Bihu? 

Bohag Bihu is observed on the first day of the year as per the Hindu solar calendar and it also marks the beginning of the new year for the people of Assam. Other harvest festivals similar to Bohag Bihu is Baisakhi, Poila Boisakh, Vishu, Puthandu, Jur Sital, etc. and people living in those states celebrate the festival as per their traditions, rituals, and customs.

How Bohag Bihu is Celebrated? 

Bohag Bihu denotes the beginning of the harvest. Additionally, it heralds the start of the spring season. The Assamese people commemorate this significant holiday three times a year to formally usher in the changing of the seasons. The other two celebrations of the year are Bhogali and Kongali.

Farmers pray for a successful harvest in the upcoming year and give thanks to God for a successful harvest in the previous year on the occasion of Bohag Bihu.

Under various names, the event is observed in Bengal, Manipur, Punjab, Nepal, Orissa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Traditions of Bohag Bihu

People rise early on Bohag Bihu to apply a paste made of turmeric and urad daal. It is thought to help eliminate negativity and encourage purity. After taking a bath, folks change into new clothes and visit their friends and relatives.

To commemorate their culture, Assamese men and women perform their traditional dances while young boys and girls dress in traditional attire. The city also has numerous fairs and events where attendees engage in a variety of entertaining pursuits. Women cook delicious foods like Chira, Pitha, Mangsho, etc. and participate in the festival's pomp and circumstance.

The primary components of this Bihu are dance and songs. The folk melodies linked with Bohag Bihu are referred to as "Bihu Geet," and they serve as a symbol of love and romance among the young people of a village. Traditional Assamese instruments are used to accompany the dances.

Types of Bihu Festivals 

The beginning of the seeding season is signalled by Bohag Bihu, the end of sowing and the transplantation of saplings (known as "Kothia") is signalled by Kati Bihu, and the end of the harvesting season is signalled by Magh Bihu (January or February).