Assam's Bihu dance, symbol of North East's traditional fertility rites

Guwahati (Assam) [India], Oct 18 (ANI): It is said that 'Bihu' came into existence in the pre-Aryan era. According to the Assamese solar calendar, the New Year falls on April 14 and that's the beginning of the most popular Bihu festival, which is also known as Rongali Bihu. The most interesting part of the Bihu Dance is that symbolises the fertility rites of the North-East. The farmers felt that the erotic content of the songs would sexually arouse Earth and lead to an abundant harvest. The people sing along with the accompaniment of an eclectic collection of musical instrument like Dhol (Drum), Pepa (Trumpet made of Buffalo Horn), Gogona (Made of Bamboo) and small cymbals. As Kati Bihu is closely related to agriculture, it is celebrated at the time of harvesting and is being celebrated across the State with religious fervor and traditional manner. People light earthen lamps under tulsi (basil) plants in granaries, paddy fields and at the entrance of their homes praying to Goddess Lakshmi for a bountiful harvest the next year. This is the period of time in the year when the paddy grows in the fields and cultivators work hard and eagerly wait for a good harvest. Agrarian festival 'Kati Bihu' also known as 'Kongali Bihu' is marked by solemnity with no merriment as the granaries are almost empty at this time of the year. 'Kati Bihu' is one of the three Bihu's in Assam celebrated by people together irrespective of their faith, caste and language as secular agriculture based festivals. However, taking into consideration the spirit of Kati Bihu among the Assamese community, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has declared a government holiday on Monday on the occasion of 'Kati Bihu' (ANI)