Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, marks the Assamese New Year and is one of the most important festivals in
Assam. Celebrated in mid-April (the Assamese month of Bohag),
it welcomes spring, new beginnings, and the agricultural season with music, dance, feasts, and heartfelt community gatherings.
Read our full guide here:
Magh Bihu 2026 Date (Bhogali Bihu) + Uruka Night
Bohag Bihu 2026 Date (Rongali Bihu)
Bohag (Rongali) Bihu 2026 begins on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. Many holiday calendars list the public holiday on
Wednesday, 15 April 2026 in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
| Festival | Date (2026) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Bohag / Rongali Bihu | 14 April 2026 | Assamese New Year, spring celebrations |
Travel tip: If you’re planning Assam in April, book hotels and local transport early, especially in Guwahati and Majuli.
For practical planning, use:
Top 10 Hotels in Assam and
Top Destinations in North East India.
History of Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu has ancient roots as a spring and agrarian festival celebrated across Assamese communities and tribes. Since Assam has long been an agriculture-first society,
Bihu became deeply tied to sowing season, nature worship, and community life. Over centuries, the festival evolved while still preserving its distinct Assamese identity through
traditional music, attire, rituals, and folk gatherings.
Why Bohag Bihu is Important
Bohag Bihu symbolises new beginnings and the Assamese connection with nature and farming. It’s a time to celebrate the end of one cycle and the start of another,
seek blessings for the season ahead, and come together as a community.
Renewal of community ties
Families visit relatives, exchange blessings, and gift bihuwan (often a hand-woven gamosa) as a sign of respect and warmth.
Celebration of Assamese culture
The heart of Bohag Bihu is its cultural energy: Bihu songs, drums, and the iconic Bihu dance performed with brisk steps and joyful rhythm,
capturing youth, romance, and celebration.
How Bohag Bihu is Celebrated (Day-wise rituals)
Day 1: Goru Bihu
The festival begins with Goru Bihu, dedicated to cattle and livestock. In many places, cattle are bathed in rivers or ponds using turmeric and herbs.
This is both a ritual and a reminder of the human-animal bond central to rural Assamese life.
Day 2: Manuh (Manuh) Bihu
People wear new clothes, seek blessings from elders, and begin the year with prayers for health and prosperity. Homes feel festive, with food, music, and visits.
Day 3: Gosai (Gods’) Bihu
Devotional worship and gratitude take centre stage on Gosai Bihu. If you enjoy festival culture across the Northeast, you may also like:
Nagaland: Land of Festivals and Warrior Traditions.
Best Places to Experience Bohag Bihu in Assam
- Guwahati: Cultural events + easy access to spiritual sites like
Maa Kamakhya Temple - Majuli: A unique cultural experience in Assam’s river island setting
- Sivasagar: Heritage vibes + local community celebrations
- Kaziranga belt: Combine festival time with wildlife planning using
How to Reach Kaziranga from Guwahati
Assam tour packages (recommended)
Planning Assam around April (quick travel tips)
- Weather: Warm days, pleasant evenings. Carry light cottons and a thin layer for nights.
- Book early: Festival week sees higher demand in Guwahati and popular towns.
- Pair with nearby trips: If you’re extending to Meghalaya, use:
Guwahati to Shillong Travel Guide - Tea + culture add-on: If you want Assam’s tea side, see:
Assam Tea Festival 2026
Conclusion
Bohag Bihu is more than a festival. It’s Assam’s living celebration of new beginnings, community bonding, and cultural pride.
If you visit during Bohag Bihu 2026, you’ll experience Assam at its most joyful, welcoming, and vibrant.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
When is Bohag Bihu 2026?
Bohag (Rongali) Bihu 2026 begins on 14 April 2026. Many calendars list the public holiday on 15 April 2026.
Is Bohag Bihu the Assamese New Year?
Yes. Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is celebrated as the most important Bihu of the year.
What are the main days of Bohag Bihu?
The well-known day-wise rituals include Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, and Gosai Bihu.
What should I wear during Bohag Bihu celebrations?
Light cotton clothes are ideal in April. Traditional Assamese attire like mekhela chador and gamosa is commonly worn during celebrations.
Can I combine Bohag Bihu with a Northeast trip?
Yes. You can combine Assam with Meghalaya and other Northeast states. Start with:
Top Destinations to Explore in North East India.
