Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is not just a festival — it is the heart of Assamese culture, symbolizing joy, renewal, and the spirit of togetherness. Celebrated in mid-April every year, it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the onset of the spring season. In 2025, Rongali Bihu will be observed from April 14 to April 16, spanning three vibrant days, each with its own cultural and social significance.
There has been some curiosity among the public regarding the exact date of the main celebration, often referred to as Manuh Bihu. Traditionally, the festivities commence with Goru Bihu on April 14, followed by Manuh Bihu on April 15, which is widely regarded as the Assamese New Year. The celebrations continue with Gosain Bihu on April 16, making it a three-day cultural extravaganza that unites communities across the state.
Goru Bihu – Honouring the Backbone of Agrarian Life (April 14, 2025)
The first day of Rongali Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, is dedicated to the well-being of livestock, especially cows and bulls, which are integral to Assam’s agrarian lifestyle. On this day, rural households take their cattle to nearby rivers or ponds for ritual baths. The animals are washed, adorned with garlands, their horns polished, and their bodies gently whipped with sprigs of local herbs, believed to have medicinal properties. It is a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the animals who support farming life.
Songs are sung during this cleansing ritual, often laced with humor, blessings, and hope for a bountiful harvest. This day connects the people of Assam with nature, agriculture, and the essence of sustainability.
Manuh Bihu – The Assamese New Year and Celebration of Human Spirit (April 15, 2025)
The second day, Manuh Bihu, is the most widely celebrated and is considered the official Assamese New Year. It is a time for personal renewal and family bonding. On this day, people rise early, take traditional baths using raw turmeric and urad dal paste, wear new clothes, and seek blessings from elders. The exchange of gamochas — the traditional Assamese handwoven cloth — is a symbolic gesture of respect and good wishes.
Cultural programs, traditional Bihu dances, and musical performances are organized across towns and villages. Families prepare elaborate meals that include traditional dishes like pitha, larus (sweet balls), curd, jaggery, and rice-based items. Community feasts and get-togethers mark the day, creating an atmosphere of festivity and harmony.
In urban areas, Bihu functions and competitions bring people together in celebration of Assamese identity. It’s a time when both the young and old embrace their heritage with pride, showcasing colorful traditional attire and participating in folk performances.
Gosain Bihu – A Day of Spiritual Reflection (April 16, 2025)
The final day, Gosain Bihu, is more spiritual in nature. Devotees offer prayers at home and in temples, seeking blessings from deities for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead. It is a quieter day compared to the first two, but holds deep significance in connecting communities to their spiritual roots.
People often visit family temples, light lamps, and make offerings of fruits, sweets, and flowers. It is also a day for reflection and a moment to pray for collective well-being. The rhythm of drums and flutes may soften, but the warmth and serenity of Gosain Bihu adds a meaningful end to the festive period.
Unity in Diversity – Rongali Bihu’s Broader Message
Rongali Bihu is not confined to rituals and merriment; it represents the unity of Assam’s diverse communities. The festival cuts across religions, castes, and regions, offering a shared cultural space that promotes harmony and mutual respect. In schools and colleges, students take part in folk dance competitions and cultural events. Local clubs and cultural societies organize melas (fairs), where traditional crafts, cuisine, and performances are showcased.
This year, as Assam gears up to celebrate Rongali Bihu from April 14 to 16, preparations are already underway across the state. From decorating homes with rangolis and flowers to practicing Bihu dance routines, the air is filled with anticipation and joy.
Rongali Bihu 2025 will be celebrated over three days — Goru Bihu on April 14, Manuh Bihu on April 15, and Gosain Bihu on April 16. While April 15 remains the central day symbolizing the Assamese New Year, each day of the festival carries its own beauty and significance. It is a time when nature, community, and culture come together in a vibrant expression of hope, gratitude, and renewal. As Assam welcomes the New Year with drums, dance, and devotion, Rongali Bihu once again stands as a timeless symbol of Assamese pride and tradition.