Bihu is a major festival of Assam, India. It is a harvest festival celebrated by the Assamese people. The festival is celebrated in three different seasons: Bohag Bihu (spring), Kati Bihu (autumn), and Magh Bihu (winter).

What are the traditional Bihu dresses?

The traditional Bihu dress for men is a dhoti and a gamcha (a piece of cloth used to cover the head). The traditional Bihu dress for women is a mekhela chador (a two-piece dress).

What are the traditional Bihu foods?

The traditional Bihu foods are pitha (a type of cake), laru (a type of sweet), and jalebi (a type of fritter).

What are the significance of Bihu?

Bihu is a time for celebration and thanksgiving. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and to pray for a good year ahead. Bihu is also a time to socialize and to strengthen ties with family and friends.

What are the challenges of celebrating Bihu?

One of the challenges of celebrating Bihu is the cost of the festival. The cost of food, drinks, and clothes can be expensive. Another challenge is the time commitment required to celebrate Bihu. The festival can last for several days, and it can be difficult to find time to participate in all of the activities.

What are the future prospects of Bihu?

Bihu is a vibrant and popular festival that is likely to continue to be celebrated for many years to come. The festival is a source of pride for the Assamese people, and it is a way to connect with their culture and heritage.

Bihu - PSC Exams

Q: When is Bihu celebrated?

Bohag Bihu is celebrated in the month of April, Kati Bihu is celebrated in the month of October, and Magh Bihu is celebrated in the month of January.

Q: What are the main activities of Bihu?

The main activities of Bihu are dancing, singing, and feasting. People also visit their relatives and friends during the festival.

Bihu is a major annual festival of Assamese people in India. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and dancing. The three main Bihu festivals are Rongali Bihu (spring festival), Bohag Bihu (harvest festival), and Magh Bihu (winter festival).

Table of Contents

Rongali Bihu

Rongali Bihu is the most important Bihu festival. It is celebrated in the month of April, which is the beginning of the Assamese new year. Rongali Bihu marks the beginning of the agricultural season and is a time to celebrate the abundance of nature.

The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. People wear new clothes, decorate their houses, and visit each other’s homes. There are also feasts and dances. The most popular dance of Rongali Bihu is the Bihu dance, which is a folk dance performed by men and women.

Bohag Bihu

Bohag Bihu is the second most important Bihu festival. It is celebrated in the month of May, which is the time of the rice harvest. Bohag Bihu is a time to celebrate the abundance of crops and to thank the gods for their blessings.

The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. People wear new clothes, decorate their houses, and visit each other’s homes. There are also feasts and dances. The most popular dance of Bohag Bihu is the Bihu dance, which is a folk dance performed by men and women.

Magh Bihu

Magh Bihu is the third and last Bihu festival. It is celebrated in the month of January, which is the time of the winter solstice. Magh Bihu is a time to celebrate the coming of spring and to pray for a good harvest in the coming year.

The festival is celebrated with great gaiety and enthusiasm. People wear new clothes, decorate their houses, and visit each other’s homes. There are also feasts and dances. The most popular dance of Magh Bihu is the Bihu dance, which is a folk dance performed by men and women.

Bihu Music

Bihu music is a unique and vibrant form of Folk Music that is played during the Bihu festivals. The music is characterized by its fast tempo, catchy tunes, and lively rhythms. Bihu music is played on a variety of instruments, including the dhol (drum), the pepa (flute), and the taal (cymbals).

Bihu Dance

Bihu dance is a traditional folk dance that is performed during the Bihu festivals. The dance is characterized by its lively movements and its energetic steps. Bihu dance is performed by both men and women, and it is often accompanied by music and singing.

Bihu Food

Bihu food is a delicious and unique cuisine that is enjoyed during the Bihu festivals. The food is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, its bold flavors, and its hearty dishes. Bihu food is often served with rice and curry, and it is often accompanied by drinks such as tea and beer.

Bihu Traditions

Bihu is a time for family reunions, feasting, and dancing. It is also a time to celebrate the abundance of nature and to thank the gods for their blessings. Bihu is a time for joy and happiness, and it is a time to come together with loved ones and celebrate the Assamese culture.

FAQS

What is Bihu?

When is Bihu celebrated?

Bihu is celebrated in the months of April, May, and January.

What are the main activities of Bihu?

The main activities of Bihu are family reunions, feasting, and dancing.

What is the significance of Bihu?

Bihu is a time to celebrate the abundance of nature and to thank the gods for their blessings. It is also a time for joy and happiness, and it is a time to come together with loved ones and celebrate the Assamese culture.

What is the name of the traditional festival celebrated in certain regions?

It’s a vibrant and colorful festival that marks the arrival of a new season.

Can you describe the significance of this festival?

It holds deep cultural and agricultural significance, often symbolizing renewal and prosperity.

Are there specific rituals or customs associated with this festival?

Yes, it typically involves various rituals, performances, and festivities unique to the local culture.

What kind of attire do people wear during this festival?

Participants often dress in traditional clothing, adorned with colorful and ornate decorations.

During what time of the year is this festival usually celebrated?

It’s typically celebrated during a specific season, marking an important agricultural or cultural milestone.

How do music and dance contribute to the AtmosphereAtmosphere of this festival?

The lively music and dance performances add to the festive ambiance, creating an Atmosphere of joy and celebration.

Can people of all ages participate in this festival?

Yes, it’s often an inclusive festival that welcomes participation from people of all ages, from children to elders.

Are there any traditional foods or delicacies associated with this festival?

Depending on the region, there may be specific traditional foods or dishes prepared and shared during the festivities.

How does this festival contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage?

By celebrating and showcasing local traditions, it helps keep cultural practices alive and fosters a sense of community identity and pride.

Can variations of this festival be found in different parts of the world?

Yes, while it may have its unique local characteristics, similar festivals celebrating seasonal transitions and cultural heritage can be found in various regions globally

MCQs

What is Bihu?

(a) A major annual festival of Assamese people in India
(b) A time for family reunions, feasting, and dancing
(CC) A time to celebrate the abundance of nature and to thank the gods for their blessings
(d) All of the above

What is the name of the traditional festival celebrated in certain regions?

A) Harvest Festival
B) Spring Celebration
C) Cultural Carnival
D) Seasonal Feast

Which type of festival often marks the arrival of a new season?

A) Music Festival
B) Harvest Festival
C) Cultural Fair
D) Seasonal Festival

During what time of the year are such festivals usually celebrated?

A) Winter
B) Spring
C) Summer
D) Fall

What kind of attire do participants typically wear during these festivals?

A) Formal attire
B) Traditional clothing
C) Casual wear
D) Sports uniforms

How do music and dance contribute to the atmosphere of these festivals?

A) By being solemn and reflective
B) By being fast-paced and energetic
C) By being mellow and relaxing
D) By being somber and contemplative

Are these festivals usually exclusive to a particular age group?

A) Yes, they are only for adults
B) Yes, they are only for children
C) No, they welcome participation from people of all ages
D) No, they are only for teenagers

What role do traditional rituals play in these festivals?

A) They are absent
B) They are performed to honor ancestors
C) They are purely symbolic
D) They are performed for entertainment purposes

How do these festivals contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage?

A) By promoting assimilation
B) By discouraging participation from diverse communities
C) By showcasing local traditions and customs
D) By isolating cultural practices from outside influences

Can variations of these festivals be found in different parts of the world?

A) No, they are unique to specific regions
B) Yes, similar festivals celebrating seasonal transitions and cultural heritage exist globally
C) No, they are limited to urban areas
D) Yes, they are only found in rural areas

What cultural or historical significance are associated with these festivals?

A) None, they are purely recreational
B) They symbolize community unity and identity
C) They represent mourning and loss
D) They are solely focused on religious rituals