Introduction to Bihu Festivals in Assam
Assam, one of the northeastern states of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and beautiful traditions. Among the many festivals celebrated in Assam, Bihu stands out as one of the most significant and widely observed. Bihu is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, nature, and the cultural spirit of the Assamese people. Bihu is celebrated three times a year, marking different phases of the farming calendar, namely Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kongali or Kati Bihu, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu. Each of these festivals holds a special place in the hearts of the Assamese people, with unique rituals and customs associated with each.
2. Assamese Folk Songs (Bihu Geet)
Bihu Geet is an essential part of Assamese culture, often reflecting the joy, love, and aspirations of the people. The lyrics of Bihu Geet are filled with Bhogali Bihu wishes, which resonate with the spirit of the festival. Some popular lines include:
- “Bhogali rati ahise, meji tolo tolo” (The night of Bhogali has come, let’s build the bonfire).
- “Meji tala ghuribar, megh dhemali khelibar” (Let’s gather around the Meji, let’s play with the clouds).
These songs are often performed in groups, with people dancing and singing together, spreading joy and festive spirit.
3. Traditional Assamese Greetings Cards
They would contain handwritten messages in Assamese script, wishing happiness and prosperity.
1. Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter have become popular mediums for exchanging Bhogali Bihu wishes in Assamese. People use these platforms to share festive greetings with their friends, family, and followers. They often post status updates, and stories, or send direct messages containing Bhogali Bihu wishes. Some popular Bhogali Bihu greetings that are commonly shared on social media include:
- “Bhogali Bihu r ananda logo is saboloke bhai thakiba” (Enjoy Bhogali Bihu and stay well everyone).
- “Magh Bihu Phil, there good paul, Bhogali Bihu r subh kamna janalo” (Magh Bihu has arrived, smell the paddy, sending Bhogali Bihu wishes).
These wishes are often accompanied by images of traditional Assamese motifs, Meji bonfires, or Bihu dance performances, adding to the festive feel of the greetings.
2. Mobile Applications
There are several mobile applications available that provide ready-made Bhogali Bihu wishes in Assamese. Users can choose from a wide variety of wishes, personalize them if needed, and share them via messaging apps, social media, or email. Some popular Assamese greeting apps include:
- Assamese Greetings App
- Bihu Wishes and Greetings App
- Assamese Status and Quotes App
3. Assamese Online Greeting Card Websites
These websites provide digital greeting cards with beautiful Assamese designs and festive messages. Users can choose a card, add their personalized message, and send it via email or share it on social media platforms. Some popular websites offering Assamese greeting cards include:
- Assamesegreetings.com
- Bihuwishes.com
- Greetingsinassamese.com
4. YouTube and Video Greetings
YouTube has become a popular platform for sharing video greetings and wishes for Bhogali Bihu in Assamese. Content creators often upload videos featuring Bhogali Bihu wishes, traditional Bihu songs, and dance performances. These videos are shared widely on social media and messaging platforms, reaching a large audience. Some popular types of Bhogali Bihu videos on YouTube include:
- Bhogali Bihu wish videos with traditional music and visuals of Assamese culture.
- Video messages from Assamese celebrities and public figures wishing people a happy Bhogali Bihu.
- Animated Bhogali Bihu greeting videos with Assamese text and audio.
These video greetings add a personal touch to the festival wishes, making them more engaging and memorable.
5. SMS and Messaging Apps
People often prefer to send short and sweet text messages or audio recordings of Bhogali Bihu wishes to their close friends and family. Some popular Bhogali Bihu messages sent via SMS and messaging apps include:
- “Bhogali Bihu r Subhesha! Tumak aru tomar paribarok and bhal pabo” (Happy Bhogali Bihu! Wishing you and your family lots of happiness).
- “Magh Bihu r ananda r abahela thakuk tomar gharot” (May the joy and festivities of Magh Bihu remain in your home).
These simple yet heartfelt messages help keep the tradition of Bhogali Bihu wishes alive, even in the digital age.
Celebrating Bhogali Bihu Virtually
People organize online Bhogali Bihu events, where they come together via video calls to celebrate, sing Bihu songs, dance, and exchange wishes.
Virtual Bhogali Bihu celebrations often include:
- Live streaming of Meji bonfire rituals.
- Online Bihu dance competitions.
- Virtual community feasts, where people share recipes and cook traditional Assamese dishes at home.
- Exchange of Bhogali Bihu wishes through virtual platforms.
These virtual celebrations have made it possible for Assamese people around the world to connect and celebrate Bhogali Bihu together, sharing their culture and traditions with a global audience.
Conclusion
Bhogali Bihu is not just a festival; it is a celebration of the Assamese way of life, bringing together families, communities, and friends to rejoice in the bounties of nature and the joy of togetherness. Exchanging Bhogali Bihu wishes in Assamese is an essential part of the celebration, helping to spread festive cheer and strengthen bonds between people.
Social media, mobile apps, online greeting card websites, YouTube, and messaging apps have made it easier for people to find and share Bhogali Bihu wishes in Assamese, no matter where they are.
