Rongali Bihu: A festival of joy and renewal

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ব'হগ মাথোঁ এটি ঋতু নহয় নহয় ব'হাগ এটি মাহ অসমীয়া জাতিৰ ই আয়ুস ৰেখা গণ জীৱনৰ ই সাহ গণ জীৱনৰ ই সাহ গণ জীৱনৰ ই সাহ 

Translation  

Bohag is not just a season it is a month. It is the lifeline of the Assamese nation.
It is the courage of mass life. It is the courage of mass life. It is the courage of mass life.

(The above-mentioned lines are from the song ‘Bohag Mathu Rhitu Nohoi’ by the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.)



Introduction

Assam, the land of Red River and Blue Hills crafted by the veins of the Brahmaputra is a mosaic of cultural diversity. The diverse traditions, customs and languages in the region converge to create a kaleidoscope of culture. Central to the cultural landscape of the region is Bihu which reflects the myriad of traditions. Bihu has been integral to the cultural landscape of Assam since time immemorial. Bihu not only involves feasting and dancing but also signifies the transition of seasons. There are three distinct Bihu which are celebrated in Assam- Bohag Bihu, Kaati Bihu and Magh Bihu. Bohag Bihu marks the arrival of spring while Kaati Bihu is associated with Autumnal Equinox. Lastly, Magh Bihu heralds the winter solstice. Rongali Bihu also known as Bohag Bihu marks the arrival of the New Year in Assam. It is usually celebrated around April 14th or 15th, coinciding with the Hindu solar calendar’s first day. Similar festivals marking the arrival of spring and New Year are also celebrated in Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu albeit under other names. 

Bihu dancers at Rongali Bihu celebration, Image source Wikimedia commons


Historical Origins of Rongali Bihu


Bihu, also known as harvest festival, is deeply rooted in the region's agricultural tradition, symbolizing gratitude towards the land. Bihu is considered as a national festival of Assam and traces its roots to ancient times. There is wide debate amongst researchers around the origin of Bihu but it is widely accepted that it is a confluence of  Austro-Asiatic, Indo-Aryan, and Tibeto-Burman cultures. There are few researchers that argue that roots of Bihu are intertwined with its etymological origins. scholars hold the opinion that ‘Bihu’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Bisuvan’. As mentioned in Atharvaveda and Aitareya Brahmana, ‘Bisuvan’ refers to the day when a fire is sacrificed with the intention of a better crop.


Bhogali Bihu Delicacies; Image source: Wikimedia commons

The historical roots can be traced back to ancient times when agriculture was the primary occupation in the region. As postulated by the majority of the researchers, Bihu festivals are about 5000 years old, and were initiated by Austroasiatic people who were the earliest inhabitants of Assam. They lived in the land of Assam during 3000 BC to 1000 BC (Neog,2021).  It was during the 13th century during the reign of the Ahom dynasty when we find many instances mentioning ‘Bihu’. A copper plate inscription found in Lakhimpur which was once part of the Chutia empire mentions a land grant to a Brahmin on the occasion of Bihu tracing back the connection of Bihu to the medieval period. It is believed that Ahom kings were the first to celebrate Bihu. According to local Assamese folklore, there is an intertwined relationship between Bohag, spring and Bordoisila, the daughter of the Earth. 'Bordoisila' originates from 'Bardoisikhla'. In Bodo language or other Tibeto-Burman languages 'bar' signifies wind, 'doi' refers to water and 'sikha' denotes girl. It is said that Rongali Bihu arrives when Bordoisila visits her maternal home and the festival ends after her departure. 



Cultural Significance of Rongali Bihu


Rongali Bihu is celebrated for seven days and each day a distinct ritual is practiced revering nature and fertility. It commences with Garu Bihu or cow Bihu in which people pray for the welfare of their cattle, followed by Manuh Bihu, a day of feasting where traditionally people adorn themselves with turmeric and exchange gifts. Guxai Bihu is observed for the household deities followed by Tator Bihu dedicated to handlooms. Nangolor Bihu celebrates the contribution of farm equipment and Gharosia Jibar Bihu pays homage to domestic animals. The festival ends on Chera Bihu with feasting and dance.


Flora and fauna are appreciated during Bohag Bihu which is observable in the rituals wherein immense importance is placed upon mother nature. The new lease of life is celebrated by applying Jetuka and barhamathuri which are said to have medicinal properties. Nahar leaves are hung on the first day of Bohag Bihu with the belief to protect the home from storms. Young damsels and Bihu dancers wear Kopou Phool, the symbol of love. Deeghloti and makhiyoti are applied on cattle as it is said to shield cattle.  Satsaki, a green leafy vegetable, is consumed during Rangoli Bihu to prevent diseases.


Celebration of Rongali Bihu of Assam with bihunach and bihu badhya; Image source: Wikimedia commons

In Assam, Bihu is celebrated by all irrespective of creed, caste, or religion. It is a festival fostering a sense of belongingness amongst communities though the rituals of Rongali Bihu vary from tribe to tribe. For example: The rituals observed during the seven days of Bihu are different in Bodo kachari. Ritual on the first day revolve around magon (cow Bihu), followed by mansoi domahi (Manuh Bihu) and on the third day saima (dog Bihu) is celebrated. If compared to the rituals of Missing, the riverine community of Assam, there is sharp difference between the two as they don’t priorities rituals during Bohag Bihu.


Bihu songs and dances serve as a medium for young hearts to connect. The gracious body movements during the Bihu dance carry the essence of romance in the young hearts thus Rongali Bihu is also seen as a season where individuals choose their partner for life. The distinct dance form known as 'bihunach' and songs called 'bihunaam' or 'bihu geet' along with instruments called 'bihu badhya' constitute the intangible heritage of Bohag Bihu. During Rangoli, Bihu elders move from one house to another singing traditional song called Husori.



Conclusion


Rongali Bihu has evolved over the years wherein the assimilation of modernity and traditional customs is evident in the elements of music, dance, fashion, and technology. The festival, once around the agricultural roots of Assam is now a platform to feature the cultural roots of Assam through a modern twist via the medium of grand cultural events and concerts. Since time immemorial Rongali Bihu has celebrated fertility and good harvest even now amidst modernity the festival still carries the youthful vigour and showcases the profound connection with agriculture. In conclusion, Rongali Bihu is a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of Assam. Since the dawn of time, this festival fosters togetherness among the communities. The gratitude towards the land is reflected in traditions. Rongali Bihu not only marks the arrival of spring but also showcases the celebration of life’s abundance.



- Darshana Bhardwaj 
email: darshanabhardwaj905@gmail.com

References -
  • Sarmah, G. R., & Goswami, J.  (2023).Bihu: The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Assam (Special emphasis on Rangali Bihu). Quest Journals Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science, Volume 11(Issue 8), 172.
  • Pradip Neog. (2021). Bihu Festivals: All-inclusive Elucidations (1st edition ed.). Notion Press.
  • Borah, G. (2021, April 24). BORDOICHILA: A PRE-MONSOON WEATHER. Sentinel Assam. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxxw
  • Borah, G. (2022, April 16). BOHAG BIHU: ETHNIC COMMUNITIES OF ASSAM. Sentinel Assam. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxye
  • Legends of Bihu Festival. (2024). Retrieved from http://surl.li/smxyh
  • Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu) 2023: Date, rituals, significance and celebration of Assamese New Year. (2023, April 13). The Economic Times. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxyq
  • Saikia, A. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxyu
  • Significance of Flora in Bohag Bihu. (2022, April 12). MyGov Blog. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxyx
  • Sonowal, P. (2018, April 16). Rongali Bihu: The Cultural Facet of Assamese Community. Abhijna e-Museum. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from http://surl.li/smxzb


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