The first day of the week-long celebration of the Rongali Bihu celebration was kicked off across the state of Assam on Saturday in the form of Goru Bihu.
This day is celebrated mainly by the rural folks of the state who have livestock at their homes.
Goru Bihu holds a significant place in the hearts of the farmers of the state. As per the tradition, on the first day of the festival, farmers take their cows to the river for a ceremonial bath.
Various kinds of herbs and pulses are applied on the cattle’s such as turmeric and decorate them with plant twigs before they are taken out to the river side. Every cattle owner then offer the cows vegetables to eat, wishing their good health.
This tradition is mainly observed by rural residents. Goru Bihu marks the first day of the seven-day-long Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu. It falls on the last day of the month of Chot, the final month on the Assamese calendar, before the commencement of Bohag, the first month.
The following day signifies the start of the new year on the Assamese calendar. On Goru Bihu, livestock, particularly cattle, are treated with traditional rituals. Owners take their cattle to nearby rivers or ponds for a bath, and apply a paste of black lentils and fresh turmeric.
Reports of Goru Bihu celebration came in from all corners of the state on Saturday, with farmers bathing their cows in accordance with traditional practices.
Bihu committees across the state have organised Mukoli Bihu programmes and cultural functions.
Rongali or Bohag Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam lasts for seven days and are known as Chot Bihu, Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu.
