Guwahati

Festive Celebrations

Bohag Bihu is the most popular festival, which marks the Assamese New Year. Held in April, it is marked by 3 Bihu festivals - Bohag Bihu in April, Magh Bihu in January and Kati Bihu in October. All the three Bihus strech over a period of days and comprise of rituals like cattle worship, special games and sports, preparation of special food, cultural activities like folks dances, music and fairs, and eating a particular meal of chira (flattened rice), curd and sweets. Owing to the large number of Bengalis here, Durga Puja is celebrated with great fervour. During this, people dress in the best clothes and pray to the goddess. The highlight of this festival is the elaborate pujas offered to the Navadurga or nine forms of Durga. Ambubashi Mela is held in mid-June at the Kamakhya Temple. Prior to the mela, the doors of this temple remain closed for three days and no auspicious work takes place throughout the state. It is only on the 4th day that devotees are allowed to enter, once the goddess is bathed and pujas are performed. Coinciding with the Magh Bihu festival, the Brahmaputra Beach Festival was organized by the Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association to promote tourism here. Participants have an option of enjoying sports like wind surfing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, para-dropping, hot air ballooning, beach volleyball and beach cricket.

Held in November, Majuli Festival is possibly the best place to get a glimpse of traditional Assamese culture. Its highlight is the exhibition-cum-sale of various Assamese items, like tribal garment, handicrafts, traditional pottery and items made of bamboo and cane. The Dehing Patkai Festival takes place in January and is marked by various sporting events, including golf. If you're visiting Assam at this time, you can also enjoy a visit through the wildlife of Assam. This festival is particularly important for its elephant protection efforts. The Assam Tea Festival is organized by the Assam Tourism in November. This annual festival is the best time for tea connoisseurs to savour the range of Assam teas, while you also take a look at the process that goes into making it as fine as it is! Started as an effort for conservation of elephants, the annually held Elephant Festival takes places at the Kaziranga National Park. During this, the elephants are groomed and bedecked in fineries, following which they parade before the audience and play different kind of games.