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Festivals
like Ali-ai-lvigang of the Mising tribe is celebrated here with traditional
fervour. Then the Paal Naam at Auniati Satra is a huge mela held in the
end of Autumn. Another festival performed by the Sonowal Kacharis tribe
is 'Bathow Puja' where Lord Shiva is worshipped with high veneration.
Multifaceted in its attractions, Majuli unfolds variety to the tourist-
rare migratory birds like pelicans, traditional handicrafts and pottery,
ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports etc.
Bihu
Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief
celebrate this festival. In a year there are three Bihu festivals known
as Rongali, bhogali and Kangali. The most important and colourful one
is rangoli Bihu celebrated in April. This also initiates the agricultural
season. The merriments include dances accompanied on the wild and lusty
beats of Dhol and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs sung in this Bihu are
woven around themes of love and often carry erotic overtones. People adorn
traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and Chadar, Mekhala.
The Magh
Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in January. Feasting animal and bird
fights accompanied by dance and music form entertainment part of this
Bihu. Kati Bihu or Kangali Bihuis celebrated in Kartika or October-November.
The main attraction of Bihu has been the distinct dance that is mainly
done by young boys and girls. Brisk stepping, flinging. Almost all ethnic
groups of Assam have their own distinct style of Bihu dance.
Other Fairs and Festivals : Various tribes and communities of Assam
have their own festivals, which add to the colour and charm of the state.
Some of them are Kherai Puja of Bodos, Baikhu and Pharkantis of Rabhas,
Ali-ai-ligang and Parag of Mising, Sagra-misawa wansawa and Laghun of
Tiwas, Me-Dem-Mehfi of Ahoms and Chomangkan of Karbis.
Ambubasi Mela
This festival is organised every year during monsoon period at the Kamakhya
temple of Guwahati. The fair attracts thousands of devotees from all over
the nation. Ambubasi is closely related to the Tantrik rituals that are
performed during this festival. The legend associated with the fair is
that this period comes during menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. On
the occasion, the temple remains close for first three days and devotees
can worship the Goddess only on the fourth day.
Jonbeel Mela
Jonbeel of Jagiroad is host to one of the most spectacular and popular
fairs in Assam. Come winter and tribes & communities like Tiwa, Karbi,
Khasi, Jaintia come down with their products for this Mela. This is perhaps
the only fair in India where barter system is still alive. A big market
is organised during this fair and people from various tribes and communities
exchange their products. But before the fair opens fire worship or Agni
Puja is performed. Another interesting feature is that the King of Tiwa
tribe collects taxes from his subjects. Colourful dances and music mark
the fair. The whole atmosphere is swinging with fun and joy. Mutual understanding
and harmonious living is the message of the fair.
Baishagu
In the month of Baishakh , Baishagu is celebrated. This festival is riot
of colours and merriment. Baishagu begins with the worship of cow. Second
day of the festival coincides with Bohag, first day of the Assamese almanac.
It is from this day that the actual merriments start. Lord Shiva is worshipped.
At the close of festival community prayer is offered at a particular place
called 'Garjasali'.
Bohaggiyo
Bishu
Unrestricted joy, merriment and fun accompany the Bohaggiyo festival that
is celebrated during mid-April at a stretch for seven days. The term Bishu
can be understood as 'Bi' means extreme and 'Su' means rejoicing. This
festival is mainly celebrated by the Deoris. It is commonly believed that
this festival comes on Sankranti day but observations prove this is not
a fixed rule. But the festivals begin on Wednesday and it is initiated
by Than Puja. Every fourth year a buffalo is sacrificed. This sacrifice
is in place of the traditional human sacrifice. Deodhani dance and Husori
or carol songs are the main attractions of the festival.
Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra
This essentially a religious practice before starting the new cultivation.
The Dimasa tribe celebrates the festival. Rajini Gabra starts with Kunang
or the village headman propitiating the family deity by closing the village
gate on the Puja day. In the night, presiding deity is worshipped for
protection and prosperity of the people. This function is called Harni
Gabra. An interesting feature of this festival is that if any outsider
enters the functions after the gates are closed, then the celebrations
are considered spoiled and the intruder has to bear the cost of starting
the functions afresh.
Baikho
Baikho is essentially a spring festival, which is celebrated to propitiate
the goddess of wealth 'Baikho'. The various groups of Rabha community
celebrate this festival.
Dosa Thoi! Long Nai: A very important religious dance festival
performed the Bathou Puja dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva. In this
the priest dances Deodhani dance with a bowl on his head.
Ali-Ai-Ligang
This again is a spring festival celebrated by the Mising tribe. This is
one of the most colourful festivals of Assam. It is organised in the month
of 'Ginmur Polo' (February-March) on the first Wednesday of the month.
'Ali' means root, 'Ai' means fruit and 'Ligang' means sow. Hence, it is
festival which initiates cultivation. Fish is essential in the feast and
certain taboos like cutting trees, fishing, ploughing, burning jungles
are strictly observed. Young boys and girls perform this dance.
Rongker and Chomangkan
Karbi Anglong, the serene and beautiful abode of the peace loving Karbis.
This Mongoloid tribe migrated to this region several years ago. They celebrate
two festivals Rongker and Chomangkan. Rongker is essentially a spring
festival, which propitiates different God and Goddess for the welfare
of village. The festival is organised to keep away diseases, natural calamities
and ofcourse for good harvest. On the other hand Chomangkan is an elaborate
death ceremony. There is no fixed time for this ceremony and it is organised
according to convenience of the community. This four day and four night
ceremony is a must for every Karbis.
Tea festival
The Tea festival organised by Assam Tourism in the month of November is
a unique experience. One cannot miss this festival which offers holidays
combining visits to Tea Gardens, Golf and River Cruises. A visit to the
"Guwahati Tea Auction Center" (GTAC) in Guwahati, the largest in India
is a must.
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