Bohag Bihu 2026 – Assamese New Year Festival

Full Date

15 April 2026 Morning 6:00 AM – 21 April 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Goru (Cow) Bihu

  Cattle are washed, blessed, and fed with green vegetables as part of the agricultural gratitude ritual on April 15, 2026.

  15 April 2026 6:00 AM – 15 April 2026 11:00 AM

• Manuh Bihu (People’s Day)

  Bathing in turmeric paste, wearing new clothes, and seeking blessings from elders; start of social festivities.

  16 April 2026 7:00 AM – 16 April 2026 10:00 PM

• Mela Bihu

  Community fairs and open-field celebrations featuring traditional music, dance, and cultural display from April 18 onwards.

  18 April 2026 2:00 PM – 21 April 2026 8:00 PM

Introduction

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is Assam’s most joyous and important festival marking the Assamese New Year and the start of the sowing season. It symbolizes fertility, renewal, and gratitude towards nature. The festival builds community harmony through rituals, dance, and generosity.

Other Names

Rongali Bihu, Assamese New Year, Xaat Bihu (Seven Bihus)

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean courtyards and decorate entrances with mango leaves and flowers.
• Prepare pitha (rice cakes), larus (sweet balls), and curd-rice dishes as offerings.
• Light oil lamps and honor household gods with prayers for prosperity.
• Wash cattle, apply turmeric and mustard oil, and tie new ropes with respect.
• Exchange gamusa (woven Assamese cloth) as a token of respect and love.

Rituals

• Goru (Cow) Bihu on the first day honors cattle with a river bath, turmeric paste, and treats for their role in farming.
• Manuh Bihu (Day 2) marks renewal as people bathe with turmeric, wear new clothes, and seek elder blessings.
• Husori groups visit homes performing traditional songs and dances, spreading joy and prosperity.
• Kutum and Mela Bihu celebrate kinship through family feasts and fairs across Assam’s villages.
• Sera Bihu, the concluding day, symbolizes farewell to festivities with sharing of sweets.

Regional Highlights

• Celebrations across Assam include Husori performances, Bihu Naas (Dance), and Drumming (Dhol and Pepa music).
• Guwahati hosts large cultural exhibitions and Bihu melas at Judges Field and Latasil Ground.
• Rural Assam celebrates with traditional fairs, buffalo fights, boat races, and folk theatres.
• Assamese diaspora observe Bihu in different parts of India and abroad connecting global Assamese identity.

History

Bohag Bihu’s origins trace back to ancient agrarian communities of Assam, where it celebrated the sowing season. Over time, it evolved into a cultural festival uniting all Assamese people irrespective of faith. It reflects gratitude for the harvest, preparation for cultivation, and renewal of social harmony. The festival aligns with other South Asian spring festivals like Baisakhi, Vishu, and Puthandu.

Additional Information

• Bohag Bihu promotes communal harmony and gratitude for nature’s fertility and abundance.
• The festival celebrates equal participation of men and women in dance, art, and agriculture.
• It coincides with other New Year festivals like Baisakhi (Punjab), Vishu (Kerala), and Puthandu (Tamil Nadu).