Talking about natural beauty, many areas in the country attract the attention of not only the country but also foreign tourists. Assam is one such place. It is a beautiful state adorning the Himalayan hills. But do you know that apart from the natural beauty, the festivals of Assam also become an attraction here? It has always been a cultural center going back to the early human era. Most of the festivals celebrated in Assam reflect the spirit of harmony and togetherness among the diverse faiths and beliefs of its inhabitants. If you are also planning to visit Assam, then definitely enjoy these festivals.
Bihu
Although many festivals are celebrated in the state of Assam, but without Bihu, the discussion of the festivals celebrated in the state of Assam will remain incomplete. Bihu is the most popular and famous festival of the state of Assam, which is why it has also got the status of the state festival of the state. This festival is celebrated with three different names at different times. Bohag Bihu is celebrated every year in April and marks the beginning of the Assamese year. Kati or Kongali Bihu is celebrated every year on the first day of the month of Kartik. Hence it is known as Kati Bihu. Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated every year in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar and in January according to the Gregorian calendar. This festival works wonders in bringing the people of Assam together as a single unit.
Karam Pooja
Karam Puja also known as Karma Puja is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals of the tribal communities living not only in Assam but also in various parts of Eastern India. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival occurs during the Bhado Ritu which is the 11th day after the full moon and is known as Bhado Ekadashi. This festival usually takes place during the months of mid-August or September and is the time that the Assamese tribal people look forward to. They worship the Karam tree and seek its blessings as a part of the ritual by performing various dances and singing songs of its praise. This festival is green and eco-friendly in its way.
Baishagu
This festival is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm in Assam. This festival is generally celebrated by the 'Boro Kacharis' tribe of Assam and is a famous festival of Boros. Famous for its myriad colors and gaiety, 'Baishagu' is generally celebrated by the Bodo Kacharis in the middle of April. It is the favorite festival of the Bodo tribe. The Bodos also celebrate it as a spring festival on the arrival of the new year. Many traditional musical instruments are used in this festival of Baishagu. Such musical instruments are Khwabang, Jotha, Gogona, Siphung, Kham, etc. At the end of this Baishagu festival in Assam, the Assamese people gather at a designated place for community prayer, which is called "Garjasali" in the Assamese language.
Majuli Festival
Majuli festival is also the most special among all the festivals celebrated in Assam. Majuli is located near Jorhat Town, about 350 km east of Guwahati, the largest city in the state of Assam. It is the largest island in the world built on the Brahmaputra river. Recently Majuli has been recognized as a district of the state of Assam. The Majuli festival is organized on this island every year in November from the 21st to the 24th. It is a cultural festival that is attended by the tribal people of Majuli Island as well as people from the entire state of Assam. Different cultural genres are staged at this festival. A variety of regional products are also put up for sale at the Majuli Festival. The history of the Majuli festival is very old, which is being celebrated by the tribal people since around the 16th century. Her pottery is made similar to the utensils made in the Harappan era, which has a special attraction in the Majuli festival.
Ambubachi Festival
Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the most revered Devi temples in Guwahati in Assam; Ambubachi is a major festival held in this temple. Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, this festival is generally scheduled for the monsoon season every year. It is a very vibrant and unique festival that lasts for 4 days and includes various rituals like Tantric practices along with many other cultures. The first 3 days of the festival signify that Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle. This is also the time when devotees observe strict restrictions like not cooking or bathing. The idol of the Goddess is cleaned with milk, water and dressed in new clothes.
Tea festival
The state of Assam is famous for its tea all over the world. Tea is produced here in large quantities, but along with this, the world's best quality tea is also produced here. Keeping this in mind, the 'Tea Festival' is organized here in November every year by the Ministry of Tourism of Assam State. Along with tea scientists from all over the world, many people participate in this festival and enhance the beauty of this festival. main of tea festival The center is the Jorhat region of the state of Assam where large areas of tea production are located. Various exhibitions are also organized during this festival where some of the best varieties of tea are presented to the public.
Dehing Patkai Festival
If you are wondering which festival truly reflects the beautiful cultural heritage of Assam, then you must be a part of the immaculate Dehing Patkai Festival once a year. This festival is always celebrated in January in the Tinsukia district and is one of the rare festivals which is enthusiastically supported and organized by the Government of Assam. The festival attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world due to its festive value as well as the various adventure sports organized by it, which include fishing, parasailing, and paragliding. The message of the festival is that it is not just about fun-filled festivities; It also shares the message of conserving the species of elephants in the North East.
Me-dum-me-fee
The most important Ahom festival that deserves mention is Mi-Dum-Mi-Phee, i.e., the festival of ancestor worship which is celebrated by the entire Ahom community. It is performed annually on 31st January and helps in developing social interaction and community feelings among the Ahom people. Colorful processions are also taken out on this occasion with devotees in traditional dresses. It is believed that if Mi-Dum-Mi-Phi is not celebrated traditionally, the deities will be displeased and resulting in political rivalries and infighting in the state, rising activities of militancy, natural upheavals like floods, etc. Will be born Earthquakes result in the loss of human life and property. Hence, the performance of Mee-Dum-Mee-Fi is necessary in the interest of the overall welfare of the people and society.
(PC: Lifeberrys)
