Bihu is the main festival of assam. Traditionally, there are mainly three types of Bihu in assam.
1. Bohaag bihu or Rongali bihu.
2. Kati bihu or Bhogali bihu.
3. Magh bihu or kongali bihu.
Bohaag bihu: Bohaag bihu is a prominent one. It has several significances for the tribes in assam. Its marks beginning of the new harvest schedule to begin with. It also marks as the beginning of the new year. It is celebrated in the middle of april month every year. The first day of bohag bihu is dedicated to the livestock. On this the bulls and cows are bathed in the river or pond as a part of ritual and allowed them to roam freely. The next day onwards the celebration goes for several days. A number of musical instruments are used for singing and dancing in an open field or stage to show their best performance.
Kati bihu: it is also known as kongali bihu. However, the celebrations are quietest of all the three bihus. The farmers are busy with their work in their paddy fields. Earthen lamps are lit to mark the celebration and pray for better crop during this time.
Magh bihu: It is also known as bhogali bihu which means eating and enjoyment. Man prepare cottages in the barren fields after harvesting and spend whole night singing and dancing in community. In the next morning the cottage is lit up in fire which shows that it is the end bihu festival of the year. Delicious sweets and foods are exchanged among the people.
So, bihu is a non-religious and secular festival of assam.
