As spring paints Assam in vibrant hues, the state prepares for one of its most spirited and heartwarming festivals: Rongali Bihu, also fondly known as Bohag Bihu. This grand celebration not only signals the arrival of the Assamese New Year but also brings together communities in a week-long tribute to nature, renewal, and joy.
When is Rongali Bihu 2025?
Rongali Bihu in 2025 will begin on April 14 and stretch over a span of approximately seven days. The first day of celebration typically aligns with Bohag Sankranti, which marks the start of the Assamese month of Bohag.
This festive period also overlaps with other regional New Year celebrations across India, such as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
History of Rongali Bihu
Rooted in agrarian and seasonal traditions, Rongali Bihu traces its history to ancient springtime and fertility festivals that honoured nature. Over the centuries, as Assam evolved through waves of cultural exchanges, Rongali Bihu too embraced a diverse array of influences, transforming into a celebration that transcends religious and ethnic boundaries. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of unity and inclusivity.
Cultural and spiritual significance of Rongali Bihu
Rongali Bihu marks the start of the agricultural season, a moment when farmers begin preparations for sowing crops. It represents not just the renewal of the earth but also personal and spiritual rejuvenation. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, old belongings are discarded, and people wear fresh attire to welcome the new year with positivity and grace.
The festival is also a time of profound community bonding. Youths seek blessings from elders, neighbours exchange festive treats, and local communities come together for lively performances of Bihu dance and Bihu geet (folk songs). The celebrations are incomplete without traditional Assamese delicacies like pitha, laru, and doi-chira.
