Celebrating Goru Bihu: A Vibrant Tradition in Assam
Goru Bihu Festivities Across Assam
Villagers lead cattle into the Bhogdoi River for a wash in Jorhat. (Photo)
Jorhat/Biswanath/Nalbari, Apr 14: The celebration of Goru Bihu, a key event in the Rongali Bihu festivities marking the Assamese New Year, took place with great enthusiasm in various districts of Assam on Tuesday.
From the banks of rivers to village courtyards, vibrant scenes of rituals and celebrations emerged as communities honored traditions passed down through generations, showcasing the deep connection between farmers and their livestock, which is vital to the rural economy.
In Jorhat, residents from the greater North-West region gathered at the Bhogdoi River, organized by the Sankardev Kala-Krishi Gabeshana Kendra, to collectively celebrate Goru Bihu.
Cattle were ceremonially bathed, with farmers applying a mixture of turmeric and other traditional ingredients to ensure their health and prosperity.
As part of the ritual, vegetables like bottle gourd, brinjal, thekera, and bitter gourd were gently brushed against the cattle, accompanied by chants wishing for their growth and strength.
Villagers lightly struck the animals with makhiyoti leaves while reciting traditional couplets – “Lao kha, benegna kha, bosore bosore barhi ja…” – a symbolic act believed to protect against ailments.
The riverbank transformed into a lively cultural hub as groups from various villages gathered, with the rhythmic sounds of the dhol and the piercing notes of the pepa creating a festive atmosphere.
As evening approached, households tied their cattle with new ropes in cowsheds, adhering to the belief that applying turmeric, oil, and pulses to the rope helps prevent diseases.
Ritual fires were lit using hay and specific herbs, with the smoke wafted towards the cattle as part of customary practices.
In Nalbari district, Goru Bihu was celebrated at Moiradanga along the Pagladiya River, organized by the Nalbari Zila Rongali Bihu Sanmilani in collaboration with the Pub Batamgila regional committee.
Various Bihu troupes performed during the celebrations, adding a cultural flair to the rituals.
Assam minister and BJP candidate Jayanta Malla Baruah participated in the festivities, engaging in the ceremonial bathing of cattle while wearing a traditional gamusa.
In a statement to the media, Baruah remarked, “It is our tradition to bathe our cows on Goru Bihu. Today, the Pagladiya River is filled with locals following this age-old practice. This is how our farmers and agrarian economy begin Bihu by pampering their cattle. I wish everyone a very happy Bihu.”
He was later seen playing the dhol and joining villagers in singing Bihu songs.
In Biswanath, personnel from the Biswanath Sadar Police Station celebrated Goru Bihu within the station premises under the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajagaurab Basumatary.
Police officers bathed the cattle kept at the station and participated in the rituals.
“It is our duty to preserve and promote the rich Assamese traditions. On the eve of Manuh Bihu, we extend our greetings for the Assamese New Year,” Basumatary stated.
Amid the widespread celebrations, there were also calls from various civil society groups to promote Goru Bihu on a global stage, similar to Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, emphasizing its cultural and agricultural importance.
Throughout the districts, the day served as a testament to Assam’s enduring rural traditions, blending devotion, community involvement, and cultural pride as the Rongali Bihu festivities commenced.