Bohag Bihu 2025: Every year, April 14th marks the celebrations of Baisaki’s Ambedkar Jayanti and Bohag Biff. In Assam and the Northeast, Biff is one of the most important festivals that marks the beginning of the New Year and the arrival of spring in Assam. Let’s take a closer look at Bohag Bihu, which starts today.
The beginning of the new year in Assam
Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the new year in Assam. It is a festival deeply rooted in agriculture and is dedicated to farmers. The celebration begins with Mesha Sankranti and lasts for a week. It also marks the beginning of the harvest season and is considered an auspicious time for weddings in Assam.
First day: Cow worship
The first day of Bohag Bihu is known for its traditional cow worship. Early in the morning, the cows are taken to the river, bathed in a mixture of kalaidal (black gram) and raw turmeric, and soaked overnight. After the bath, the cow is fed vegetables such as gourds and brinjall. This ritual is believed to ensure that cows remain healthy throughout the year and bring prosperity to the home.
We provide harvest to God
On this occasion, the farmers will provide the first harvest of the season to Shabrai, the god of agriculture, and pray for a rich harvest next year. The festival also presents a variety of traditional dishes prepared with coconut, rice, sesame and milk. A popular part of the celebration is enjoying the card and chivda (flat rice).
Bohag Bihu: One Week of Dance, Music, Unity
Bohag Bihu is celebrated with a lively cultural program throughout the week. Men and women wear traditional attire and perform biff dances on rhythmic beats of drums, flutes, peppers (traditional horn pipes) and tar (cymbals).
Drums throughout Bihu are thought to evoke good rainfall and prosperous harvests in the coming years. The festival not only brings together the community, but also preserves Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
