Why in News?
Several major Bihu committees, including the Sepon Central Rongali Bihu Committee and the Rajgarh Bihu Committee, have announced they will cancel or scale down their 2026 cultural programmes as a mark of respect to the legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in late 2025.
The "Xaat Bihu" (Seven Days of Celebration)
Rongali Bihu is traditionally celebrated over seven days, each with a specific name and ritual:
- Goru Bihu (14 April): Dedicated to cattle. Cows are bathed in rivers with turmeric and urad dal paste and offered seasonal vegetables like gourd and brinjal.
- Manuh Bihu (15 April): Dedicated to people. On the first day of the New Year, people wear new clothes, seek blessings from elders, and exchange Gamosas (traditional hand-woven scarves).
- Gosai Bihu: Dedicated to household deities; people offer prayers for a prosperous year.
- Tator Bihu: Dedicated to handlooms, highlighting the importance of weaving in Assamese culture.
- Nangal Bihu: Dedicated to the plough and agricultural equipment.
- Senehi Bihu: Dedicated to love and relationships; traditionally a day for young people to meet and celebrate.
- Chera Bihu: The final day, marked by the conclusion of festivities and community feasts.
Cultural Highlights
- Bihu Dance: A high-energy folk dance performed by young men and women in traditional attire (Muga silk Mekhela Chador for women and Dhoti-Gamosa for men).
- Traditional Instruments: The rhythm is created using the Dhol (drum), Pepa (buffalo horn pipe), Gogona (jew's harp), and Toka (bamboo clapper).
- Traditional Food: Essential delicacies include Pitha (rice cakes), Laru (sweet balls of coconut or sesame), and Jolpan (breakfast of flattened rice with curd and jaggery).
Significance
- Agrarian Roots: It marks the beginning of the sowing season.
- Inclusivity: Bihu is a secular festival celebrated by all Assamese people regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
- National Connection: It coincides with other harvest festivals in India like Baisakhi (Punjab), Poila Baisakh (West Bengal), Vishu (Kerala), and Puthandu (Tamil Nadu).
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