Essay on Bihu 2021: Bihu is one of the most important harvest festivals of Assam. It is celebrated thrice in a year during January, April and October to mark the transformation of seasons. Folk songs and dances accompanied by the enchanting music of Dhol, Taal, Pepa, Toka and other musical instruments mark the cultural celebration of the festival. Delicious cuisines made of rice and coconut and special flavoured drinks are served by local tribes like Chuje, Namlao, etc.
Essay on Bihu 500 Words in English
Below we have provided Bihu Essay in English, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Bihu is the festival celebrated in the Assam state of India. Since India is a land of pastoral culture, this festival is the most prestigious in the region as it marks the arrival of spring and harvest. The word Bihu comes from a Sanskrit word ‘Bishu’ meaning to ask for prosperity and abundance during the harvesting season. It is celebrated thrice in a year because it is classified into three – Rongali, Bhogali and Kongali Bihu. Each has a separate significance and different way of celebrating. The Bhogali falls in January, Kongali in October and Rongali Bihu in April.
Bhogali Bihu
It is also known as Magh Bihu, which is a harvest festival and marks the end of harvesting. The word Bhog means fun, enjoyment and eating. On the eve called ‘Uruka’ young men build a makeshift cottage known as ‘Bhelaghar’ with the hay of the harvest crops and the ‘Meji’ in the night along the banks of the river. The elders are gifted Gamosas a traditional kind of cloth with red borders to show respect. One of the distinctive features of this festival is that in some parts different types of sports like Buffalo fight, cock-fight, Nightingale-fight is organized for amusement.
Rongali Bihu
Rongali Bihu is the beginning of the Assamese New Year. Among all the three festival, this one is the most entertaining and fun. It is celebrated in spring and also referred to as Bohag Bihu. The festival is a symbol of dance, bliss, happiness and music. The celebrations include burning torches in the fields by men and playing buffalo horn called Pepa. Moreover, livestock is worshipped, which is considered to be the chief source of earning. Dance performances are held indoor and outdoor locations.
Kongali Bihu
The Kati or Kongali Bihu is closely associated with agriculture. Kongali means poor because there is not much left to eat. The festival is celebrated by lighting candles, earthen lamps in front of Tulasi plant to worship Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) for a whole month. Tulsi plant (Basil) holds a sacred place in Hinduism. The candles are even lit up in paddy fields for the excellent health of the crops.
Significance of Bihu Festival
The festival celebrated in the region is associated with the farming calendar. People pray for prosperity and a good harvest. Furthermore, it is believed that the word Bihu is derived from two words- Bi meaning to ask and Hu meaning to give. Bihu is celebrated by traditional dance and music followed by playing different musical instruments like dhol, Pepa, Taal and Gogona. Since Assam is an agrarian region with Brahmaputra River being the primary source of water, the three festivals are the prime festivals of the state. For the farmers of the area, the festival is close to their heart.
10 Lines on Bihu Festival
- Bihu is the prominent festival of Assam.
- It marks the arrival of spring and harvest and retreat of winter.
- The festival is closely related to agriculture as Assam is an agrarian region.
- The word is derived from a Sanskrit word Bishu meaning prosperity.
- Also, the word is an amalgamation of two words- Bi and Hu.
- The festival is celebrated thrice in a year.
- It is divided into three-Bhogali, Kongali and Rongali Bihu.
- Bhogali Bihu is all about food, Rongali is all about enjoyment and fun, and Khogali is about praying for a good harvest.
- Petha is a sweet dish made from rice served and exchanged among the relatives. The elders are gifted Gamosas to express respect and love.
- Everybody gathers together and celebrates the festival by lighting lamps and earthen pots.