Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu) 2025: Rongali Bihu, or Bohag Bihu, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Assam, which officially marks the beginning of the harvesting season.
Rongali Bihu also marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar, which is why it is also celebrated as the Assamese New Year. This year, the celebrations of Bohag Bihu will begin on Monday, April 14 (2025), and is set to conclude on Sunday, April 20.
Bihu is a triannual festival, with Bohag Bihu being the first of the three, with Ronagli or Bohag Bihu being celebrated in the second week of April, while the remaining two Bihu – Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu – are celebrated in October and January.
The Assamese word “Rong” in Rongali Bihu is ‘to joy, which represents the spirit of joy and happiness in the festival. Rongali Bihu, like other harvest festivals, involves people from the farming community offering their gratitude to the almighty for a safe and successful harvesting year ahead.
The Assamese community mark the festival by feasting, singing, and performing the traditional Bihu dance, celebrating the advent of the New Year.
Notably, similar spring harvest festivals are held throughout India; like in Punjab, it is known as Baisakhi; in Tamil Nadu, as Puthandu; in Kerala, as Vishu; and in West Bengal, as Pohela Baisakh.
Despite regional differences in traditions, the core of these festivals remains the same – the beginning of spring and the harvest season that brings people together across the country in joyful celebrations.
