Rangali Bihu is the main festival of Assam. People observe it in mid spring from Chaitra Sankranti day irrespective of their class and caste. It is also known as Bahag Bihu. 1st of Bahag Masa (Baishakh) is also beginning of Assamese calendar. This festival continues for a fortnight. In some places it may continue for month.
The first day celebrated as Garu Bihu, when cattles are bathed with turmeric, fed with fresh vegetable.
The second day celebrated as Manush Bihu. Everyone puts on new clothes. Special food prepared at every home. People visit their friends and relatives with gifts. Hand woven clothing is the most common gift.
Whole state goes to festive mode for about 15 days. Music and dance is one of the most important attractions of this festival. Traditional musical instruments like Bihudhol, Tal, Toka, Gogona, Pepa are used during Bihu Geet and dance. These traditional instruments are different types of drums, brass discs and flutes. Bihu geet / songs are in local Assamese language and normally love songs. These songs are also sung by locals for any holy or cheerful occasions.
Bihu dance is an art that require high level of physical fitness and skill. Bihu dance is performed by everyone mainly young boys and girls in the open or on specially built stage. Beauty of this dance is, they dance together in circular or parallel line formation but do not touch each other during the dance. The whole village or people from nearby area or housing society participate in the dance as the dancers go from one house to another house. Dance troops are welcomed in every house in traditional way.
Bihu dance begins in slow rhythm and gradually speeds up with the beats of drums, sound of brass disc and flute as the dance proceeds. The enthralling beats of different types of drums and sound of 'pepa' (flute made out of buffalo horn) go with the dance. People prefer to wear traditional attire like dhoti and gamocha (handcrafted towel) for man and for ladies chadar and mekhala for Bihu dance.
In cities and towns every day evening cultural programs are organized that continues till late night. From early 70’s, during my school days, popular Hindi songs becomes part of evening programs. Uses of latest modern musical instruments are very high in NE states. There are many local orchestra groups throughout the state. Our own Bupenda (https://bhupenhazarika.com/bio/index.php ) is no doubt the biggest crowd puller since my school days. Latest star seems to be one Zubeen Garg. Today’s Rangali Bihu is a magnificent musical extravaganza that you can believe when you witness it.
From today onwards whole state will be celebrating Rangali Bihu with the beats of drums & sound of brass discs.
Rangali Bihu reveals Life of People of Assamthrough Song and Dance.
My Best Wishes to People of Assam