What is Bihu?
'''Bihu''' is the most prominent [[festival]] celebrated by the people of [[Assam]]. It is a set of three celebrations performed throughout the year. The three Bihus are celebrated at different times of year, in the months of Bohaag (Baisakhi), Kaati (Kartik) and Maagh, according to the [[Hindu calendar]]. These days fall in mid April, October/ November and early January. Assam is a small state in the north-eastern part of the country. Its economy is mainly based on [[agriculture]]. Hence all their daily activities and celebrations are around agriculture. These months are significant for farming the [[Paddy field|paddy]]. Bohaag bihu is celebrated at the [[Seedling|seeding]] time of paddy. Kaati bihu is celebrated when the sowing of paddy is complete and the transformation of the saplings is done. Maagh bihu is at the [[Harvest|harvesting]] period of the crop. The word bihu is derived from the language of ‘dimasa kacharis’, which is the agricultural community of Assam, since ages. The word was originally ‘Bishu’, which meant ‘to ask for prosperity’ from the tribal god. Bihu is the distorted version of Bishu. Bohaag bihu is also known as Rongali bihu. It is celebrated with the highest joy and mirth among all the three bihus. Bohaag is the first month according to Assamese calendar. it is also celebrated as the [[New Year]] festival. People greet the coming season of [[Spring (season)|spring]] with enthusiasm. Rongali bihu is celebrated over a period of 7 days.The first day is known as goru bihu. [[Cows]] are washed and worshipped. This is followed by manuha bihu. Human beings take early day bath and wear new clothes. Then on the third day [[Deity|deities]] are worshipped and washed. The celebrations culminate by bidding adieu to bihu on the last day of festival. Kati bihu is also known as kongali bihu. The celebrations are quietest of all the three bihus. The farmers are busy in their paddy fields and earthen [[Lamp|lamps]] are lit to mark the celebrations. Farmers pray for a better [[crop]] during this ti