Assam, often known as the Bihu state, is popular because of the festival of Rongali Bihu which is extremely entertaining and fun. Rongali Bihu festival is like a dramatic cultural festival that is filled with joy and abundance of love.
This festival marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. There are three Bihu festivals in the state which happen at different times of the year. One is Magh Bihu, then is the Rongali Bihu Festival and at last, is the Kaati Bihu.
Although each of them is highly fun-filled, Rongali Bihu Festival is the one that will force you to liberate yourself and enjoy to the fullest. This festival of Bihu is celebrated in the spring season around mid-April and is also known as Bohaag Bihu.
One witnesses the beautiful Bihu dance which happens in every house or locality during the festival. People also enjoy the special delicacies of Assam. Just plan your trip to attend Rongali Bihu Festival once for sure.
Major Attractions of Rongali Bihu Festival 2024
The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year and also to welcome the spring season. Rongali Bihu Festival is full of happiness and bliss and the same is celebrated through music and dances. There are a total of 7 phases of Rongali Bihu: Raati, Chot, Goru, Manuh, Kutum, Mela, and Chera.
1. Raati Bihu
This is the very first day and begins on the Chot month’s first night. The main celebrations include burning torches in an open field. This is also synonymous with the local women gathering. Men, on the other hand, play a buffalo hornpipe, called Pepa.
2. Chot Bihu
This begins on Chot Mah’s second day. The day is celebrated with Bihu songs and dances. Mostly the younger ones participate in it. Performances are held at fields or other outdoor locations.
3. Goru Bihu
This phase is apropos with Assam’s agricultural roots. It is also related to the worshipping of livestock which used to be the main source of money in ancient times. A cattle show is also held.
4. Manuh Bihu
This phase falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month. People, on this day, take a special bath, called maah halodhi bath. They also wear new clothes and light chaki at their worship place in homes. On this day, people seek blessings from their elders in their families. They also gift them with the Gamusa cloth which is a symbol of cultural pride. It is also a symbol of hospitality, warmth, regards, love, and friendship.
5. Kutum Bihu
Kutum symbolizes kin. On this day, people visit their relatives, families, and friends. They get together to share their stories over lunch or dinner.
6. Mela Bihu
This day is marked with competitions and cultural events outdoors. In ancient times, kings used to attend this fair and mingle with the general public. The idea is still carried on in today’s times. People from all over Assam come together to attend the Rongali Bihu fair, creating an environment of communal brotherhood and inclusivity.
7. Chera Bihu
It is the final day of Rongali Bihu. It is celebrated in different ways in different parts of Assam. But one common thing between them all is taking future resolutions and ending the whole event with contemplation. Pithas are exchanged by friends and families as well.
How to Reach
To reach Guwahati you will need to cover a total distance of 1,910, 2,747, 1,009, 2,985 km from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the following details on how you can easily reach Guwahati.
By Air
To travel by air, you will need to deboard at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU). The airport has good flight connectivity with several major air carriers operating to and fro at a regular frequency. From the airport, you will need to book a taxi or take a bus to reach your respective destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Guwahati
By Train
Guwahati Railway Station is one of the primary train stations in Guwahati with broad railway connectivity. After getting off the station, you can easily book a taxi or avail of some other means of local transportation to reach your destination.
By Road
You can travel to Guwahati by well-maintained road networks as well. If you are living in close cities and towns, then, you can easily board inter-state or private buses at affordable prices. Otherwise, you can also consider booking taxis or self-drive here.
- From Dimapur - 286 km via NH29 or NH27
- From Tezpur - 181 km via NH27
- From Shillong - 100 km via NH6
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven tour planner.
