About Rongali Bihu

  • Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is anticipated to be celebrated in Assam from 14th to 20th April 2025.
  • Marking the Assamese New Year and the start of the harvest season, it is one of the most notable celebrations in the state. 
  • Alongside Rongali Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu are also observed but Rongali has prominent importance.
  • The name 'Rongali' is derived from Assamese 'Rong' which translates into 'joy,' demonstrating the festive spirit infused into this celebration.

 

Key Features of Rongali Bihu 

  • Celebrations include the energetic Bihu dance performed to folk songs and traditional instruments such as the dhol, pepa, gogona, toka, taal, and hutuli. 
  • The festivity is closely tied with the agricultural cycle, celebrating the commencement of the spring season and praying for a fruitful harvest period.

 

New Year Celebrations across Different Indian States

  • Baisakhi: Celebrated in Punjab and Northern India at the onset of the spring harvest season.
  • Puthandu: Observed in Tamil Nadu and among global Tamil communities, aligning with the starting day of Chithirai month in the Tamil calendar.
  • Pohela Boishakh: Significant in West Bengal as it marks the advent of the Bengali calendar year.
  • Jude Sheetal: Celebrated by Maithili communities present in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nepal.
  • Pana Sankranti: Celebrated in Odisha, known for the traditional drink Bela Pana, made from bael fruit; signifies the Odia New Year. 
  • Vishu: Observed in Kerala and areas of Tamil Nadu; signals the Sun’s transition into Mesha Rashi.
  • Ugadi: Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The Sanskrit translation of Ugadi implies the start of a new age.
  • Gudi Padwa: Celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa as Samvatsar Padvo. Indicative of the Marathi New Year and the first day of the Chaitra month.
  • Navreh: Observed among Kashmiri Pandits as their traditional New Year. The term originated from Sanskrit 'Nava Varsha,' meaning 'New Year.'
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: Celebrated in Manipur by the Meitei community, marking the beginning of the Manipuri lunar calendar year.
  • Bestu Varas: Celebrated in Gujarat as New Year, following a day after Diwali during the five-day festive period.