About Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year and spring festival, celebrated in mid-April at the start of the month of Bohag. It welcomes the sowing season with Bihu dance and songs, pitha, new clothes and blessings from elders.
Bohag Bihu is the most festive of the three Bihus celebrated in Assam. Rongali, the name often used for it, comes from "rong", meaning joy or merriment. It marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring, when fields are prepared for sowing and the countryside turns green. The other two Bihus, Kati Bihu in autumn and Magh Bihu in winter, are also tied to the farming year.
How it is marked
Celebrations usually stretch over several days. Goru Bihu, on the last day of the old year, is dedicated to cattle, which are bathed, fed and honoured for their role in farming. Manuh Bihu, on the first day of Bohag, is for people. Families bathe early, wear new clothes, seek blessings from elders and exchange the gamosa, the woven white cloth with red borders that is central to Assamese culture.
Homes prepare pitha (rice cakes), laru (sweet balls) and other festive food. Groups of husori singers go from house to house singing and offering blessings. The energetic Bihu dance, with the dhol, pepa and gogona, is performed in villages, towns and on community stages across Assam and wherever Assamese communities live.
What to write
Mention spring, music or family blessings, and keep the tone bright and warm.
- Rongali Bihu wishes to you and the whole family. Save me some pitha and laru, I'm coming over.
- Missing the husori singers and Ma's pitha this year. Bihu wishes to everyone at home.
- Happy Bohag Bihu! Wear the gamosa I sent and send me a photo from the Bihu stage.
How to wish someone on Bohag Bihu
spring, music, blessings from elders and a joyful fresh start for the Assamese New Year
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + regional language.
Frequently asked questions
How many Bihu festivals are there?
Assam celebrates three Bihus: Bohag or Rongali Bihu in April, Kati or Kongali Bihu in October, and Magh or Bhogali Bihu in January. Each is linked to a stage of the farming year.
Why is a gamosa gifted during Bihu?
The gamosa is a white handwoven cloth with red borders that symbolises respect and honour in Assamese culture. Offering one to elders, guests and loved ones during Bihu is a sign of affection and goodwill.
What is Goru Bihu?
Goru Bihu is the first day of Bohag Bihu celebrations, held on the last day of the old year. Cattle are bathed and fed special food to thank them for their help in farming.
When is Bohag Bihu in 2026?
Bohag Bihu 2026 falls on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
What is Bohag Bihu?
Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year and spring festival, celebrated in mid-April at the start of the month of Bohag. It welcomes the sowing season with Bihu dance and songs, pitha, new clothes and blessings from elders.
Who celebrates Bohag Bihu?
Bohag Bihu is observed in the Indigenous/Regional tradition. It is especially observed in Northeast India.
Is Bohag Bihu a public holiday?
Holiday status for Bohag Bihu varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on Bohag Bihu?
Focus on spring, music, blessings from elders and a joyful fresh start for the assamese new year. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated Bohag Bihu card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .