Agni (Fire God) & Lakshmi

On the eve of Bhogali Bihu, the community gathers in open fields. Young men build the Meji — a tall conical structure of bamboo poles, dried banana leaves, hay, and thatch. Beside it, they build the Bhelaghar — a temporary communal hut of bamboo and thatch where the community feasts together through the night. A grand feast (bhoj) is prepared with traditional Assamese dishes. Singing, folk tales, and Bihu songs continue until dawn. This night epitomizes Assamese community bonding.

At the first light of dawn, the community gathers around the Meji. The eldest member or the village headman lights the bonfire. Everyone offers prayers to Agni Devata (Fire God), tossing rice, betel nut, and pieces of food into the flames as offerings. The Meji fire symbolizes the destruction of evil, the warmth of community spirit, and prayers for a good harvest. As the Meji burns, people take a ritual bath in the nearby river or pond. After the bath, they offer prayers facing east to the rising Sun.

The first day of Rongali/Bohag Bihu is Goru Bihu, dedicated to cattle. Early morning, cattle are taken to the nearest river or pond. They are bathed, scrubbed clean, and their horns are painted with bright colours. Laau (bottle gourd), bengena (brinjal), and halodhi (turmeric) are tied around their necks. Cattle are fed special rice cakes and their favourite foods. The owner recites: "Lau khaa, bengena khaa, bossore bossore barhi jaa" (Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow and thrive year after year). This day expresses deep gratitude to the animals that sustain agricultural life.

The second day is Manuh Bihu (Human Bihu) — the Assamese New Year day. Everyone bathes early and wears new Assamese traditional attire — men wear dhoti and kurta with a gamosa, women wear the exquisite Mekhela Chador (Assamese silk saree). Younger members seek blessings from elders by touching their feet. Gamosas (hand-woven towels symbolising respect) are exchanged. A special puja is performed at the home altar — light lamps, offer flowers, akshat, and sweets, and pray for family well-being. This is also a day for visiting relatives and strengthening community bonds.

Kongali (Kati) Bihu falls in mid-October when the paddy is still growing and the granary is at its leanest. The main ritual is lighting earthen lamps (Akash Banti) on tall bamboo poles in the paddy fields and at the tulsi (holy basil) plant near the house. Women light these lamps at dusk, praying to Lakshmi for protection of the growing crop. No feasting on this Bihu — it is a time of austerity and prayer. The Akash Banti guides the souls of departed ancestors and invokes divine protection over the vulnerable crop.

The Bihu folk dance is the soul of Rongali Bihu. Young men and women gather in open fields performing the energetic Bihu dance to the rhythm of the Dhol (drum), Pepa (buffalo horn pipe), Gogona (bamboo instrument), and Toka (bamboo clapper). The dance movements imitate nature — birds, rivers, and the swaying of rice fields. Bihu songs (Bihugeet) are romantic, celebrating youth, love, nature, and the joy of spring. Husori groups go house to house singing blessings. This celebration continues for up to seven days.

Distribute Til Pitha, Laru, Jolpan, and other Bihu specialties to all family members, neighbours, and visitors. Share generously — Bihu is about community abundance and collective joy. Elders bless the younger generation. Exchange gamosas as tokens of respect and affection. In the evening, families gather for a traditional Assamese meal served on banana leaves featuring fish curry, duck curry, pithas, and rice.