April in Assam doesn’t just arrive, it makes its presence felt in the burst of color, music, dance, and joy. If you are travelling through India in spring, find your way to Assam – because Rongali Bihu isn’t just a festival, it’s a warm cultural embrace.
For the locals, Rongali Bihu (also called Bohag Bihu) marks the beginning of their agricultural cycle. For visitors, it is a time to appreciate the wonders of nature and to celebrate renewal through music, movement, and heartfelt connections.
Where do you go to experience the festival?
You don’t have to go far in Assam till the rhythm of Bihu finds you. If you are in the state capital of Guwahati, you can walk into the large-scale festival grounds at Latasil or Shilpagram to enjoy local artists playing dhols and pepas (indigenous drums and horns) and Bihu dance performances by troupes of beautifully dressed women in all their youthful glory. If you like to go off the beaten track, make your way to the historic town of Sivasagar or to the river island Majuli and immerse yourself in authentically rural Bihu celebrations.
What to wear to enjoy the festival?
Come as you are; the Assamese are an extremely hospitable people and will embrace you as one of their own. But, if you still wish to “fit in”, there are hundreds of stores in Guwahati that sell traditional Assam silk “mekhela sadors” for women and “dhutis” for men. The locals will also happily help drape you in their traditional outfits.
One of the more touching customs of Rongali Bihu is the exchange of new clothes, particularly the handwoven “gamosa” – a red and white linen towel that is as functional as it is symbolic. Assamese women weave gamosas on their home looms, which are then presented to elders, teachers, guests, and loved ones as a token of respect and renewal. Expect your host to drape a gamosa over your shoulders, fresh and crisp, as part of Bihu hospitality.
Should you become a part of the celebrations?
Absolutely! Dhol and pepa are simple to play as long as you can carry a tune. If you wish to participate in the dance, the women will happily show you the moves. There are no right or wrong steps here, just the joy of trying.
What about the feast?
Rongali Bihu meals champion seasonal and local produce. Xaax (fresh greens), masor tenga (fish cooked with sour fruit), fruits like kamranga (star fruit) and jalphai (Indian olives) straight from the trees, food that helps prevent seasonal illnesses–these are what to expect on your plate. On Rongali Bihu, meals are not about indulgence, it is about celebrating nature’s offerings with grace.
How will you ensure your travel is seamless?
The rustic charm of Rongali Bihu need not reflect on your travel plans. HaveMony makes navigating local markets, paying for your homestay, or buying handwoven textiles delightfully easy through UPI. You don’t have to worry about cash or currency, just scan, pay, and enjoy the moment.
Spring in Assam isn’t just a season, it’s a sentiment. Rongali Bihu invites you into a festival where community matters more than ceremony and joy is found in the spectacle of nature. Come for the culture, stay for the kindness, and leave with memories draped in red and white linen.