Significant changes have been seen with Assam’s flagship festival, Rongali Bihu, following the Covid-19 pandemic. The usually mirthful celebration is now devoid of its traditional joy as it adjusts to the constraints brought by the nationwide lockdown.
What Is Bihu?
Bihu stands as the primary celebration of Assam, a northeastern state in India. Its significance is such that the people commemorate it three times within a year. First is the Bohag or Rongali Bihu, occurring in April. This event doubles as the New Year and spring festival for the Assamese. Following this, October brings the Kongali or Kati Bihu, with Bhogali or Magh Bihu rounding out the year in January.
Timing of Rongali Bihu
Rongali Bihu’s schedule aligns with the Sikh’s New Year observance, Baisakhi. The dates for Bohag Bihu range from April 13 to April 21 annually. Additionally, besides marking the beginning of the Hindu solar calendar, other regions like Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu also observe this period.
Bihu: A Harvest Festival
One of Bihu’s significant aspects is its connection to agriculture, as it often coincides with the harvest season or the sowing process. As such, it plays a critical role in the agrarian communities of Assam.
Festive Foods and Traditional Attires
Bihu celebrations incorporate traditional foods like pitha (a type of rice cake) and larus (a dish made from rice and coconut). Also, participants often wear traditional Muga silk outfits and perform the Bihu dance to native tunes and rhythms played on the Bihu dhol, a traditional drum. This folk dance is a beloved symbol of Assam’s vibrant culture.
Gamosa: A Symbol of Protest
Aside from dancing and feasting, the Bihu festival also features the traditional gamosa, a handwoven piece offered as a gift. The gamosa gained more significant symbolism during the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation from 1979 to 1985, where it became an emblem of protest. It saw a resurgence in December 2019 with demonstrations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
The Gamosa in the Time of Covid-19
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the gamosa into a different role, transforming it into masks for protection against the virus. This situation shows how the cultural symbol can adapt to current needs while still maintaining its relevance within the community.
Overall, while the usually cheerful Rongali Bihu may be subdued due to the restrictions of Covid-19, its essence remains in the traditions, symbols, and resilience of the Assamese people.
