PM Modi extends greetings on the occasion of Rongali Bihu
New Delhi, April 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of Rongali Bihu, the Assamese New Year.
Rongali Bihu is one of the most important and sacred festivals of Assam, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the agricultural season. It is celebrated with traditional songs, feasts, and community gatherings. The festival brings joy, renewal, and agricultural prosperity, especially among the farmers
In an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Rongali Bihu greetings to you all!"
"This vibrant festival celebrates new beginnings, prosperity and the spirit of togetherness. This festival beautifully showcases the Assamese culture, which is gaining popularity all across. I pray for a year filled with success, happiness and wonderful health," a photo attached to the post read.
Assam began the week-long celebration of Rongali Bihu, the state's biggest festival, with the traditional Goru Bihu (Cattle Bihu) on Tuesday.
Goru Bihu has been observed on the first day of Rongali Bihu.
On this special day, considered one of the most significant celebrations in a farmer's life, the villagers clean and bathe their ploughing bulls and dairy cows, including the revered "khirati" cows, as part of rituals for the prosperity and well-being of the cattle.
Bulls and cows are bathed with a paste made of fresh turmeric, black lentils, other ingredients, and fed with gourds and brinjals and provided with new attaching ropes.
People also sing traditional songs to the cattle, "Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja, maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru" (means "Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year by year, your mother is small, your father is small, but you will become a large, strong cow").
Worship of cattle on this occasion means showing respect and gratitude to the cattle, bulls, that are important parts of farming and daily life.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the greetings are appreciated, I sometimes feel these posts become a bit formulaic. It would be more meaningful if there was more substantive policy action supporting the farmers whose lives and festivals this celebrates. The sentiment is good, but let's match it with action for agricultural prosperity.
The description of Goru Bihu is fascinating! We have a similar tradition in my village in Punjab during Lohri, where we show gratitude to the elements and animals that help in farming. It's heartwarming to see these ancient agricultural rituals being preserved and celebrated. Jai Kisan!
As someone who recently visited Assam, the Bihu festival is incredibly vibrant. The music, dance, and community spirit are infectious. It's great that national leaders are highlighting such rich cultural heritage. Makes me want to plan my next trip around Bihu!
"Lao kha, bengena kha..." – love learning about these traditional songs! Every region of India has such unique and poetic ways of expressing gratitude to nature and livestock. This is the cultural wealth no textbook can fully capture. Happy New Year to Assam!
Respecting cattle is a core part of Indian culture across so many states. From Pongal to Bihu, we see the same reverence. In today's fast-paced world, it's important to remember and celebrate these roots. A very happy and prosperous Rongali Bihu to everyone celebrating!
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