Rongali Bihu (also called Bohag Bihu) marks the Assamese New Year, celebrated in mid-April during the Assamese month of Bohag. It’s the most vibrant of the three Bihus, bursting with dance, music, courtship, and community feasting. The word “Rongali” comes from the Assamese word “Rong”, meaning joy, color, and celebration.

So Rongali Bihu literally translates to:

“The Bihu of joy and color”

Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu also called Saat Bihu (seven Bihus) is a traditional ethnic festival celebrated in the Northeastern Indian state of Assam and other parts of Northeastern India by the indigenous ethnic groups of Assam, and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. The festival is of mostly aboriginal origin comprising Tibeto-Burman and Tai elements. It usually falls in the 2nd week of April, historically signifying the time of harvest. Every year it falls on the 14th day of April. The holiday unites the different native communities of Assam regardless of their backgrounds and promotes the celebration of ethnic diversity.

Rongali Utsav is a festival organised in Guwahati every year. The festival showcases tribal culture of Assam to the world.

In Assam locally the onset of 'Bohag' (Assamese Calendar) marks the starting of Rongali Bihu. The three primary types of Bihu are Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu, and Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops. During Rongali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases: 'Sot', 'Raati', 'Goru', 'Manuh', 'Kutum', 'Mela' and 'Sera'.

After returning home, people clean themselves and offer prayers either in their homes or at the Namghar, and a special meal consisting of chira, curd, cakes, and other items is prepared. New ropes are made for the cattle, and red threads are tied around them. The animals are sprinkled with Tulsi-soaked water as a form of purification. In the evening, when the cattle return, their feet are washed, they are fed with chira and pitha, and then tied again in the cowshed. In some regions, cows are worshipped as Go-Lakshmi, and a Brahmin performs rituals in the cowshed. Before bringing the cattle back, smoke from burning leaves and straw is used to drive away insects, and its ash is applied as a protective measure against wounds. The plough and other agricultural tools are also washed and respected. On this day, people also eat a traditional mixture of green mango, jute leaves, mustard, and salt, reflecting the cultural and seasonal significance of the festival.