Festival in Assam

To know what celebrations really mean, visit Assam on time of a fair or a festival. The jubilation and energy of the moments, takes the spectators to a different level of enjoyment. Population of Assam is constituted by people of different tribes and religion. Every festival of theirs is a reflection of Assamese traditions and culture. The most appealing fact about the festivals of Assam is that it is participated by everyone irrespective of their caste, religion, and tribe. To learn about the lifestyle of people of Assam in a very short span of time, one should get a glimpse of the many fairs and festivals of Assam. The most important festivals in Assam are the three Bihu Festival, all celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm. Most of the fairs held in Assam are religious in nature and also depict a religious side of the people.

Bihu Festival Bihu is the most important festival of Assam celebrated with highest degree of energy. In an year, there are three types of Bihu festivals named Rangali Bihu, Bhogali Bihu and Kangali Bihu. Among the three the most important is the Rangali Bihu, also called Bahag Bihu, which is celebrated during the spring season. This festival marks the start of agricultural festival. The main event of the festival is the Bihu dance by young boys and girls accompanied by music sung by women. People wear new clothes and prepare some exotic dishes which are not generally prepared on normal days. The Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in mid-January and is the harvesting festival. The main celebrations happen in the evening before the Bihu day. People make temporary shelter and collect firewood for bonfire. Firewood is collected by stealing them which is permissible for the day. A lavish non vegetarian meal is prepared for all the people gathered. Buffalo fight is another attraction of the day. Kangali Bihu is not as such a big affair like the other two Bihu festivals. Worship of Tulsi plant is the main ritual of the day.

Tea Festival Though tea festival is celebrated throughout the state, the main center of the festival is Jorhat city which is called the Tea Capital of the World. This Tea Festival is hosted by Assam tourism corporation in the month of November. The celebrations include a visit to the many splendid tea gardens, to golf course and to the Guwahati Tea auction Center which is biggest of its kind in India. The delicious food and fresh Assam tea are the highlight of the festival.

Ambubachi Mela Ambubachi Mela is held every year during the monsoon season around mid June in the famous Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. It is believed that the presiding goddess of the temple Goddess Shakti goes through her annual cycle of menstruation. And it is during this period, the Ambubachi Mela is held. On the first three days of the festival, gates to Kamakhya Temple are closed for everyone. It is said that Mother Earth has become impure. All religious ceremonies are put on hold during this period. Even agriculture is not don in entire Assam. At the end of the three days, the doors are opened after necessary rituals and pujas are performed. It is believed that Mother Earth has attained complete purity. To witness the mela, pilgrims from all over India.

Brahmaputra Beach Festival Brahmaputra Beach Festival is celebrated at the same time as that of Bhogali Bihu which is the harvest festival of Assam. It is organized by Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association. There are many cultural programmes that happen during the season. There are also some adventure sports organized in the fast flowing Brahmaputra River. Elephant Race, kite flying, beach cricket and volleyball are the main attraction of this Beach Festival. Assam is immersed in festive mood through out the year. Every celebration are colored in different hues of religion, culture and traditions that imbibe a feeling of enthusiasm and excitement in every spectator. Visit the magical land of Assam and experience the thrill of watching a dream with open eyes.