Bihu Festival, Assam

To be precise, the Assamese celebrate Bihu thrice in a year namely, Bohag or Rongali Bihu, Kaati or Kongali Bihu and Maagh or Bhogali Bihu. The Bohag Bihu calls for huge celebration beginning from April 14 each year. Although the festival is observed for 7 days, the celebration extends for about a month. The first day of Bohag Bihu is called Goru Bihu, in which cow and bulls are bathed and fed. The main festival is observed on the second day; people greet each other and present their relatives with Gamosa (hand-woven cotton towels). On this day, young Assamese men and women form groups and perform Bihu Dance. Assamese delicacies are prepared out of which Pitha (dish made of rice powder, wheat flour, coconut, sesame and jaggery) is the specialty. Stages are set in different parts of the state, where Bihu Dance is performed on a regular basis for a month.