Assam celebrates Baikho festival for good harvest and rain

The Baikho festival is celebrated in the state of Assam, which is called as gateway to northeast India. It is celebrated by Rabha tribes of India. The Baikho festival is celebrated annually. It is celebrated to bring in auspicious harvest season and to fill it with abundant crops and good health. This is a celebration of good harvest. It is an ancient tradition. It is predominantly observed by Rabha Tribe. However, people from other communities also harmonise in the celebrations.

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How this festival celebrated?

• During this festival, various rituals are carried out for warding off evil spirits, for bringing good will to community and sparking ample rains. In the afternoon, people dress in traditional attire and dance to the drum beats.
• In the evening, they set alight a tall structure made from bundles of bamboo. After the sun sets, priests offer prayers to the God of harvest. After the prayers priests run over hot coals, which are left simmering by the fire.
• This act is meant to honour the harvest deity. Later, women wash the feet of priests and serve them food. In another unique customs, Rabha Tribes smear their faces with rice flour and pour rice beer for others.

About Rabhas Tribes:

Rabhas are a Tibeto-Burman community. They reside in Lower Assam in Garo hills and Dooar region of West Bengal. They are among the plains tribe in state. They are an agriculture-based community. They have distinctive culture and celebrations.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Assam Capital: Dispur;
• Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma;
• Assam Governor: Jagadish Mukhi.

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