Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu)

The Story

Bohag Bihu (also called Rangali Bihu — the colourful Bihu) is Assam's most joyous festival marking the spring harvest and the Assamese New Year. The seven days each have a name: Goru Bihu (cattle), Manuh Bihu (humans), Gosai Bihu (ancestors and deities), Kutum Bihu (visiting relatives), Senehi Bihu (friendship), Mela Bihu (fair), and Chera Bihu (concluding). Bihu dances — with vigorous footwork and graceful hand movements — and Bihu songs (husori) performed by young people are the cultural heart of the festival.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Goru Bihu (first day — April 14): bathe cattle in rivers, rub them with ginger and turmeric
• Manuh Bihu (April 15): family members bathe with sesame oil and mekhela-chador (traditional dress)
• Offer prayers at the family altar and distribute sweets
• Young people perform Bihu dance and sing husori (Bihu songs) in open fields
• Visit family and community; exchange bihuwan (traditional gamosa cloth as gift)
• Attend Bihu melas (fairs) and cultural programmes

Key Mantras

• ॐ सूर्याय नमः

Bhog · Festival Foods

Pitha (sticky rice cakes — til pitha, ghila pitha, sunga pitha) · Tekeli pitha · Laru (coconut ladoos) · Xal (fermented fish)

Regional Variants

• · Three Bihus: Bohag (spring), Kati (autumn/harvest), Magh (winter) — Bohag is the biggest
• · Bihu dance is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage
• · Tezpur and Dibrugarh have the biggest Bihu melas

Frequently Asked

When is Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) in 2026?

Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) is listed for April 14-20, 2026 — Bohag Bihu / Rongali Bihu festival week begins with Assamese New Year season. in India. Always confirm local panchang or official holiday notices for regional date variations.

Is Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) a public holiday?

Public holiday status for Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) in India can vary by country, state, institution, and local calendar. Check official holiday notices for your location.

Why is Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) celebrated?

Bohag Bihu (also called Rangali Bihu — the colourful Bihu) is Assam's most joyous festival marking the spring harvest and the Assamese New Year.

How is Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) celebrated at home?

Goru Bihu (first day — April 14): bathe cattle in rivers, rub them with ginger and turmeric Manuh Bihu (April 15): family members bathe with sesame oil and mekhela-chador (traditional dress) Offer prayers at the family altar and…

What food or prasad is prepared for Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu)?

Common foods and offerings include Pitha (sticky rice cakes — til pitha, ghila pitha, sunga pitha), Tekeli pitha, Laru (coconut ladoos), Xal (fermented fish).

What are the regional names of Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu)?

Bohag Bihu (Rangali Bihu) is also associated with names or regional forms such as बोहाग बिहू, Three Bihus: Bohag (spring), Kati (autumn/harvest), Magh (winter) — Bohag is the biggest, Bihu dance is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, Tezpur and Dibrugarh have the biggest Bihu melas.

Dates · Next 5 Years