Vaisakhadi, also known as Bahag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, is the most important festival in Assam, celebrating the arrival of spring and the Assamese New Year. The festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is observed with much enthusiasm and joy across the state.
Bahag Bihu is one of three Bihu festivals (the others being Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu) and is characterised by feasts, music, traditional dance, and community celebrations. It is a time to honour the land and give thanks for the harvest, while also looking forward to a new year filled with hope and prosperity.
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Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu in India for the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14/04/2024 | Sunday |
| 2025 | 15/04/2025 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | 14/04/2026 | Tuesday |
The Significance of Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu in India
Vaisakhadi, or Bahag Bihu, marks the start of the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for renewal, joy, and the celebration of life’s abundance. For the people of Assam, Bahag Bihu is not only a harvest festival but also a cultural event that brings families and communities together.
Bahag Bihu is celebrated over several days, with each day having its own significance. The first day, known as Goru Bihu, is dedicated to cattle, which play a vital role in agricultural life. The second day, Manuh Bihu, is devoted to the human aspect, with people wearing new clothes, visiting relatives, and offering prayers for prosperity. The festival is marked by joyous gatherings, feasts, and the performance of traditional Bihu dance and music, which celebrate the spirit of the season.
How Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu is Celebrated in India
Bahag Bihu is celebrated with a blend of religious rituals, cultural performances, and community activities. The festival is a time of joy, feasting, and social bonding.
- Goru Bihu (Cattle Festival): On the first day of Bahag Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, the focus is on cattle, which are washed, decorated, and fed special meals. Cattle play a crucial role in the agricultural cycle, and this day is dedicated to thanking and honouring them for their contribution to the harvest.
- Manuh Bihu (Human Bihu): The second day, Manuh Bihu, is dedicated to people. Families gather for special prayers, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts and sweets. It is a day for visiting relatives and neighbours, as well as seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
- Bihu Dance and Music: One of the highlights of Bahag Bihu is the performance of traditional Bihu dance and music. Dressed in traditional attire, dancers and musicians come together to celebrate the joy of the season with lively performances. The Bihu dance is characterised by energetic movements, symbolic of the vitality and spirit of the festival. Traditional instruments such as the dhol (drum), pepa (hornpipe), and gogona (jaw harp) accompany the performances.
- Feasts and Sweets: Bahag Bihu is a time for feasting, and traditional Assamese dishes such as pitha (rice cakes), larus (sweet coconut balls), and various fish and meat dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends. The feasts reflect the abundance of the harvest and the joy of community bonding.
- Rituals and Prayers: Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and offerings are made to deities for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of the family. Rituals are performed to seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and peace in the new year.
Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu in Different Parts of India
While Bahag Bihu is primarily celebrated in Assam, the spirit of the festival is also observed by Assamese communities across India. The festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the new year and the abundance of nature.
- Assam: In Assam, Bahag Bihu is celebrated with grandeur across villages and cities. The air is filled with the sound of Bihu songs and the sight of joyful dancers performing the traditional Bihu dance. Community feasts, fairs, and cultural programmes are organised throughout the state, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
- Assamese Diaspora: Assamese communities living in other parts of India and abroad celebrate Bahag Bihu by organising cultural events, performances, and gatherings. These celebrations help preserve Assamese traditions and bring the community together, even when they are far from home.
- Bengal and Northeastern States: In neighbouring Bengal and other northeastern states like Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, the spirit of Bihu is also embraced by communities that have cultural ties with Assam. The festival is marked by similar rituals, feasts, and celebrations of the spring harvest.
Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu – A Festival of Joy, Harvest, and Cultural Pride
Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu is a time of celebration, gratitude, and renewal. It honours the land and the harvest, while also bringing people together to celebrate the joys of life and the promise of a new year. The festival reflects the deep connection between the people of Assam and their agricultural heritage, as well as their rich cultural traditions.
Through dance, music, feasts, and rituals, Bahag Bihu celebrates the abundance of nature, the strength of community, and the vibrancy of Assamese culture. It is a festival that inspires joy, gratitude, and a sense of unity among people from all walks of life.
More Information about Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu in India
- Is Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu a public holiday in India? Vaisakhadi/Bahag Bihu is observed as a restricted public holiday in Assam and some northeastern states of India. It is widely celebrated with religious rituals, cultural performances, and community feasts.
- How is Bahag Bihu celebrated in Assam, India? Bahag Bihu is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and cultural performances such as the traditional Bihu dance and music. The festival includes rituals like Goru Bihu, dedicated to cattle, and Manuh Bihu, focused on family and community bonding.
- What is the significance of Bihu dance in Bahag Bihu celebrations in India? The Bihu dance is a traditional folk dance that reflects the joy and vitality of the spring season. It is a central part of Bahag Bihu celebrations, symbolising the energy and happiness of the festival as people come together to celebrate the harvest and the new year.
- Why is Goru Bihu important during Bahag Bihu in Assam, India? Goru Bihu is dedicated to honouring cattle, which are vital to the agricultural life of Assam. On this day, cattle are washed, fed special meals, and adorned as a way of thanking them for their role in the harvest.