Goru Bihu Celebrations Mark the Joyous Start of Rongali Bihu in Assam
The vibrant festival of Rongali Bihu, a cornerstone of Assamese culture, began on a spirited note with Goru Bihu celebrations across the state on Monday. This cherished tradition highlights the deep connection between Assam’s agrarian lifestyle and its reverence for cattle.
From Sadiya to Dhubri, villages came alive as families led their cows, goats, and livestock to rivers and ponds for a ceremonial bath. The animals were fed brinjal, bottle gourd, and turmeric, symbolizing wishes for their health and prosperity. Traditional chants like “Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja” (Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year after year) resonated as communities bonded over folk songs and dances.
In Batadrava’s Sanaguri village, the festival was observed with generational pride, spanning seven decades. Youngsters adorned cows with dighloti and makhiyoti leaves, while elders recited age-old blessings. The evening saw cows returning to freshly decorated sheds, tied with new ropes, as households prepared pitha and pona—a feast of traditional Assamese delicacies.
The festivities also marked the beginning of open-stage Bihu performances, with the rhythmic beats of dhol, pepa, and gagana filling the air. The joyous celebrations will continue with Manuh Bihu on Tuesday, further enriching Assam’s cultural tapestry.
As Rongali Bihu unfolds, the spirit of unity, tradition, and gratitude remains at the heart of Assam’s festivitives.
