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Are you excited to celebrate the upcoming Bihu Festival 2023 in all its glory? As one of the most significant cultural festivals of Assam, Bihu commemorates the change in seasons and the start of the Assamese New Year and harvest season.
This agrarian festival is celebrated in three different ways - Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January. But do you know where to go to experience the true essence of Bihu? In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit in Assam to celebrate Bihu and make the most of this cultural extravaganza. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey during the Bihu 2023 long weekend!
Why should you visit Assam during Rongali Bihu 2023?
Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year, is a cultural extravaganza in Assam. This is the perfect time to visit the state and soak in its rich culture and traditions. Here are some things you can experience during this harvest festival of Assam.
- Witness the vibrant festival of Assam with dance performances in Guwahati and other parts of the state.
- Indulge in the delicious local delicacies such as pitha, laru, and doi during the harvest season.
- Explore the scenic beauty of Assam’s tea gardens and visit the weaver’s village to experience Assam’s heritage.
- Visit the historical Kamakhya temple in Guwahati during the harvest festival of Assam.
- Experience a historic moment as you witness the grand celebration of Rongali Bihu at Sarusajai Indoor Stadium, which is set to create a world record.
With so many things to do and see, Assam is a must-visit destination during Rongali or Bohag Bihu.
3 places to visit in Assam to celebrate Bihu 2023
Take advantage of the long weekend during Bihu 2023 by travelling to the top 3 places in Assam and immerse yourself in the state's festivities, culture and natural beauty.
1. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya and is a significant attraction during the Rongali Bihu festival of Assam. People worldwide visit this temple during the festival to seek the goddess's blessings and start their Assam journey on an auspicious note.
The temple's unique feature is that it has no image or statue of the goddess, but a natural underground spring, signifying the goddess's life-giving powers. During Rongali Bihu, the temple premises are decorated with vibrant decorations, and the devotees offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. Visiting the Kamakhya Temple during Rongali Bihu is a must for anyone looking to experience Assam's cultural richness and traditions.
Location: Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India.
Best time to visit: During the Ambubachi Mela, celebrated in June or July, or during the Durga Puja festival in September or October.
How to reach: Easily accessible by road and air, with the nearest airport being Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and the nearest railway station being Guwahati.
2. Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi, also known as the "weaver's village," is a great place to visit during the Rongali Bihu festival in Assam. The village is famous for its silk production and traditional weaving techniques. The town comes alive with vibrant colours, music, and dance performances during Bihu celebrations.
Visitors can witness the intricate process of silk production and purchase beautiful hand-woven sarees and garments. The village also hosts several traditional games and competitions during the festival, making it an ideal destination to experience Assam's rich cultural heritage.
Location: Sualkuchi is a small village located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the Kamrup district of Assam, India.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sualkuchi is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is pleasant, and the annual Paush Mela fair is held.
How to reach: Sualkuchi is easily accessible by road from Guwahati, about 35 km away. The nearest airport and railway station are also located in Guwahati.
3. Bihu festivities at Sarusajai Indoor Stadium
Assam's Sarusajai Indoor Stadium is set to host a grand Bihu function, featuring over 11,000 Bihu dancers from across the state. This event is expected to set a world record for the largest gathering of Bihu dancers and will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rongali Bihu is an integral part of Assamese culture, with its energetic dance form and traditional instruments.
The event is an opportunity for Assam to showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world and for the people of Assam to celebrate their traditions. The vibrant display of joy and merriment that Bihu dance represents will surely be a visual treat for the audience. With dancers dressed in colourful traditional attire, moving to the beat of traditional instruments, the event promises to celebrate Assam's vibrancy and diversity. The presence of the Prime Minister is expected to add to the festivities and create a buzz across the country.
Location: Sarusajai is located in Nalapara, Sarusajai, Guwahati, Assam.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the stadium is during the Rongali Bihu celebration, which usually falls in April. This is when the stadium hosts a grand Bihu function, showcasing the vibrant Bihu dance and Assamese culture.
How to reach: The stadium is easily accessible by road and can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus from the city centre. Guwahati also has an international airport, which is located about 25 km away from the stadium.
FAQs
Where do we celebrate Bihu festival?
The Bihu festival is primarily celebrated in the northeastern state of Assam in India.
What are the main attractions of Bohag Bihu?
The main attractions of Rongali or Bohag Bihu are the cultural programmes, traditional dance forms like Bihu dance, music, feasting on delicious Assamese cuisine, and visiting various tourist destinations.
What are the activities for Bihu festival?
The activities for the Bihu festival include cleaning and decorating houses, buying new clothes, preparing traditional delicacies like pithas and laru, performing cultural programs and dances, and participating in community feasts.
Assam is a state that is full of culture, traditions and natural beauty, and the Rongali Bihu festival provides an excellent opportunity to experience all of it. With the top 3 places to visit in Assam and a range of activities, this state is a perfect destination to celebrate and cherish the essence of Bihu in 2023.
Learn all about the Bohag Bihu Assamese festival and savour the delicious Assamese recipes - while celebrating the Assamese New Year. Don't forget to try the Pitika recipe and the famous dish of Assam for a scrumptious celebration of Bihu 2023.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.