Spring is on and what else can make it turn on in India other than the festivals! We in India have a festival ready to celebrate for the smallest drop of opportunity. Regarded as one of the most emotional ‘collection of heads’, we the Indians never miss a chance – whatever be the occasion!

Spring is one such time that gives us the chance to “tickle our taste buds”. Assam is no different a place and the way we celebrate Bihu is acknowledged by everyone who has got a glimpse of it. The journey to this part of the world is extremely thrilling and exciting. From the dry arid lands to the utter lush landscapes, the tints of green changes every thousand odd meters! And if something as exciting as the beats of the Dhul (Assamese Drum), the melodious flute, beautiful dancers and the sweet dishes! are blended together – the output has to be something very thrilling!

Although, Bihu is not just all about the beautiful looking dancers dancing to the tune of latest Zubeen’s number, nor it is the growing number of Video CDs; it is a festival of honour and of love… It marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab and Tamil Nadu though called by different names. It’s a time of merriment and feasting and continues, in general, for seven days; if not the whole month! The farmers prepare the fields for cultivation of paddy and there is a feeling of joy around. The ladies make pitha, larus (traditional food made of rice and coconut) and Jolpan which gives the real essence of the season. The first day of the bihu is called goru bihu or cow bihu, where the cows are washed and worshipped, which falls on the last day of the previous year, usually on April 14. This is followed by manuh (human) bihu on April 15, the New Year Day. This is the day of getting cleaned up, wearing new cloths and celebrating and getting ready for the new year with fresh vigor. The third day is Gosai (Gods) bihu; statues of Gods, worshiped in all households are cleaned and worshiped asking for a smooth new year. (For more insights, click me)

For someone like me and my fellow friends who are outside the state, busy in our own work; its quite difficult to skip past such a fantasy season. The month long celebration is cherished for long and the touch that an Assamese enjoy with the word Bihu can be testified by the number of goose-bump attacks that you are confined to now

For now, the VCDs, downloaded Assamese Bihu songs and often courier received sweets and yes! the busy scheduled is the bihuwaan (Bihu gift) for us!

Happy Bihu…

Dedicated to all the “bidekhot appun manuh” – the friends staying abroad… Get back soon…