Assam - In the North Eastern part of India, is a mixing urn where culture, heritage, tradition, lifestyle, faith and belief of her Aryan & Non-Aryan, numerous tribes & sub-tribes, Mongoloids & Australoids, drawn from various hives at different points of time have gone into form the Assamese culture - a fascinating and exotic recipe of delightful flavor.

Assam is a home to several wildlife sanctuaries which are a home to endangered and rare species and orchids.North East is a hub of wide variety of flora and fauna.

Orchids are abundantly found in Assam; a variety - Khopo phul(Fox tailed orchid), Bhatou Phul or Vanda coerulea etc. Assam has several attractive destinations; majority of these are National Parks, Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Festival of Assam: Bihu

The Important festival of Assam is Bihu, which is celebrated in three forms, viz.Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in the month of January, Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in the month of April and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in the month of October/ November.

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu (which means eating or enjoyment,derived from the word 'Bhoga') is celebrated when the harvesting is over and is also called harvest festival. On the eve of Bihu day, called "Uruka", women prepare cakes made of rice and other refreshments. The most significant part of this day is the building of 'Meji' and feasting at night. The whole night is spent in feasting, merry - making dancing and singing.

The folk songs associated with the Bohaag Bihu are called Bihugeets or Bihu songs. The Bohaag Bihu lasts for several days during which "the young people in the vilalge may be seen moving about in groups gaily dressed or forming circles in the midst of which the prettiest girls dance" (The History of Human Marriage by Edward Western-March) singing songs of love and romance. Such gatherings are called Mukoli Bihus (Open Bihus). The songs are very popular among all sections of the people.







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