Festivals of Assam

Assam is a land of fairs and festivals. Most of the festivals celebrated in Assam characterize the spirit of accommodation and togetherness in the diverse faith and belief of her inhabitants. This perfect fusion of heritage of her numerous races has made Assam the home of the most colorful festivals reflecting the true spirit, tradition and lifestlye of the people of Assam.

The major festivals celebrated in Assam are Bihu, Baishagu, Ali-Ai-Ligang, Baikho, Rongker, Rajini Gabra Harni Gabra, Bohaggiyo Bishu, Ambubashi Mela and Jonbill Mela and so on.
The people of Assam also celebrate Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, Swaraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Idd, Muharram, Me-Dam-Me-Phi, the birth and death anniversaries of Vaishnava Saints Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev.

The tribals of Assam have their own colourful festivals like the Kherai Puja of the Bodos, the Baikhu and Pharkantis of the Rabhas, Ali-ai-ligang and Parag of the Mishing tribe, the Sagra-misawa wansawa and laghun of the Tiwas.

Bihu
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam. It is celebrated with joy and abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief.
Three Bihus are celebrated in a year: Bohag Bihu which augurs the wish for a good harvest because this is the time when farmers start sowing, Kaati Bihu which is observed to mark the cutting and binding of grains and Magh Bihu which marks the season of harvesting of grains.

Me-Dum-Me-Phi
The most important Ahom festival which deserves mention is the Me-Dum-Me-Phi, i.e., the ancestor worship festival which is observed by the whole Ahom community. This is performed annually on the 31st of January and helps to develop social contacts and community feelings among the Ahoms. Colourful processions with devotees in traditional finery are also taken out on the occasion.
Baishagu Famous for its myriad colours and merriment, 'Baishagu' is generally celebrated by the Bodo Kacharis during mid April. It is the most cherished festival of the Bodo tribe. The Bodos also celebrate it as a springtime festival at the advent of the new year.

Ambubachi Mela
Is the most important festival of Kamakhya temple of Guwahati and is held every year during monsoon (mid-June). It is a ritual of austerities celebrated with 'Tantric rites'.During Ambubashi the doors of the temple remain closed for three days. It is believed that the earth becomes impure for three days. During this time no farming work is undertaken.Ambubachi mela is held at the Kamakhya temple, after being closed for the afore-mentioned three days. On the fourth day only the devotees are allowed to enter inside the temple for worship. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad visit this mela.

Price hike, violence dampen Bihu spirit

Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Jan 13 - High prices of commodities have been a feature of recent Magh Bihu celebrations. This year, the atmosphere has worsened in the aftermath of large-scale extremist violence followed by killings of persons that the police describe as armed militants.While a section of people are ready to celebrate the festival of plenty with aplomb, there are others who would prefer to keep it a low-key affair. In and around Guwahati there prevails apprehension among people about having a safe celebration, with many preferring to stay indoors.Tonight, in keeping with tradition, people of Assam would participate in feasts either at home or in a public space. However, in Guwahati as well as in some other cities of the State, community feasts are likely to be fewer in numbers than before. A shopkeeper near the place where police claimed to have killed an ULFA militant last night, and who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "A commoner like me would not mind spending the night with friends around a bonfire...but not this year".In the markets selling foodstuff, there have been ample grievances over the sudden price hike. From vegetables to fish and meat, costs were at an all time high. Retail prices of tomatoes, peas, capsicum, eggplants, have registered a sharp increase. However, it is the price of fish and meat that has left many buyers in the lurch. At some markets fish was selling around 20 to 25 per cent above their usual rates. Today a fish at the city's Kachari Market commanded a price of Rs 25,000. While there was a scarcity of chicken in some markets, the price of mutton hovered between Rs 280 and Rs 300 per kilo.The Bihu celebrations, however, have brought in a windfall for some, especially those dealing with traditional food items. In Guwahati, some Self Help Groups have been able to sell a wide variety of local delicacies, which in other times are not readily available. Tomorrow in the crack of dawn, some of those celebrating Magh Bihu would set fire to the Mejis and Bhelaghars, and offer prayers to the fire God. A yearning for peace in a land scarred by violence and bloodshed could be the common refrain in many prayers. source: assam tribune