Assam,
being a land of composite culture reflects a chain of festivals of different
tribes throughout the year. It's as if people cross the threshold to come
together with festive abandon and momentarily forget their tough lives.
The perfect fusion of heritage of tribes and subtribes has made Assam the
home of the most colorful festivals. The major festival of Assam is Bihu in
three forms, viz.Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in April, Magh Bihu or Bhogali
Bihu in January and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in October/ November.
Rongali Bihu is celebrated by most of the races that inhabit there in their
own colors and names. Thus parallels of Bihu among the races are Baisagu for
Bodo Kacharis, Baikhu for Rabhas, Ali- Ai -Ligang for Misings, Bohhaggio
Bishu for Deoris. Contemporaries of Magh Bihu are Nara-siga Bihu of Miring,
Pushy Par or Tushu Puja of tea tribe of Assam. Other community festivals of
Assam are Rongker of Karbis, Rajini Gabra and Harni Gabra of Dimasa tribe.
The
simplicity of Assamese people is reflected in their celebration. Festivals
take place in a communal way, usually in a Namghar or in open space. Bamboo
sticks and banana leaves are profusely used and rather than offering cooked
food, nutritious food such as sprouted grams and fruits are offered during
worship.
Six festivals are organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Assam,
every year to encourage tourists to visit Assam. They are given below:
- Majuli Festival
- Elephant Festival
- Brahmaputra Beach Festival
- Dehing Patkai Festival
- Tea Festival
- Rongali Utsav
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