Observed with immense joy and gaiety, Bihu is one of the most popular festival
in the state of Assam. Celebrated to mark the change of season, it is celebrated
thrice a year. The history of Bihu celebration can be traced to 3500 B.C., when
it is was celebrated for around a month, in the present times, it is however
celebrated for a week. The first of the three Bihus, is celebrated in the month
of April coinciding with other harvest festivals like Sankranti, Chait or Baisakhi.
It is a time for rejoicing as well as praying for a bountiful harvest. Incessant
dancing, singing mark the occasion. Dancing was earlier restricted only to men,
but with the change in times, women folk is sometimes made a part of dancing.
Some people observe lot of praying and fasting,a night before the beginning
of the festive celebration.
Dancing and beauty competitions are organised during the entire week, increasing
the enjoyment of the native people. Bull fights and Bird fights are another
major source of attraction and entertainment during the week long celebration.
The entire state of Assam rejoices in the festival.
Bihu celebrations are quite colourful and vibrant. Marking the occasion young
boys and girls in village don traditional dhoti, gamosa and saadar mekhela and
sing Bihugeets or folk Bihu songs in traditional bihutolis or Mukoli Bihus. The
accompanied orchestra of dhol, pépa (buffalo hornpipe) and gagana add joys
to the celebrations. At several places Bihu fairs are also organized where people
participate in the games and other fun-filled activities. |
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