Bohag Bihu 2025: A Celebration of Assamese New Year and Harvest Joy

Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu or Xaat Bihu, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Assam, marking the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Observed over seven days, each day carries unique cultural and agricultural significance. It is celebrated with colorful rituals, folk songs, dances, feasts, and prayers—especially among the farming community, who express gratitude for the harvest and pray for prosperity. Bohag Bihu 2025 begins on April 14 and ends on April 20, coinciding with Bohag Sankranti.

Key Details

Dates

• Festival Name: Bohag Bihu / Rongali Bihu / Xaat Bihu
• Start Date: April 14, 2025
• End Date: April 20 or 21, 2025
• Duration: 7 Days
• Significance: Assamese New Year, harvest celebration, agrarian gratitude, cultural unity

Seven Days of Bohag Bihu Rituals

Garu Bihu (Day 1)

• Cattle are bathed in rivers, decorated with garlands
• Horns and hooves are painted
• Special prayers are offered for the health of livestock

Manuh Bihu (Day 2)

• People take a purifying turmeric bath
• Elders are shown respect
• Traditional sweets like Til Laru, Pitha, Murir Laru, Ghila Pitha are prepared

Guxai Bihu (Day 3)

• Worship of household deities
• Prayers for family harmony and blessings

Taator Bihu (Day 4)

• Celebration of Assam’s handloom heritage
• A tribute to weavers and the craft of traditional Assamese textiles

Nangolor Bihu (Day 5)

• Honoring of farming and agricultural tools
• Farmers express gratitude for tools aiding their livelihood

Gharosia Jibar Bihu (Day 6)

• Domestic animals are honored for their role in daily rural life

Chera Bihu (Day 7)

• Community celebrations with Bihu dances, music, and feasts
• A symbol of joy, social unity, and cultural pride

Cultural and Agrarian Significance

• Marks the beginning of the Assamese solar year
• Celebrates the arrival of spring and new crops
• Acts as a social unifier across communities and villages
• Expressions of thanks to nature and deities for a fruitful harvest

Equivalent to other Indian spring festivals

• Baisakhi (Punjab)
• Puthandu (Tamil Nadu)
• Vishu (Kerala)
• Pohela Boishakh (West Bengal)