Bihu is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Assam in India. It marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy. Bihu is also popular harvest festival celebrated in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, and it is typically associated with a range of traditional Assamese dishes that are prepared during this festive time. Bihu is celebrated in three parts: Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Here is a brief overview of the three Bihus –
Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most popular and widely celebrated festival in Assam, India. It is a three-day festival that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The festival usually falls in mid-April every year and the dates for Bihu in 2023 are as follows:
- Goru Bihu (Bihu of the cows): April 14, 2023
- Manuh Bihu (Bihu of the humans): April 15, 2023
- Sengeli Bihu (Bihu of the crops): April 16, 2023
Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is the second of the three Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam, India. It is also known as the “poor man’s Bihu” as it is a less elaborate and more somber festival compared to the other two Bihus. Kongali Bihu is celebrated during the autumn season and is also known as the “festival of lights” as earthen lamps are lit on this day.
Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is the third of the three Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam, India. It is a harvest festival celebrated in January every year, marking the end of the harvesting season. The festival is known for the feasting and merrymaking that takes place during the celebrations, and is also known as the “festival of food.”
The date for Kongali Bihu in 2023 is October 18th. It’s important to note that the date may vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar and the local customs and traditions of different regions of Assam.
During the Bihu festival, people prepare a variety of delicious dishes to enjoy with family and friends. Some of the popular Bihu dishes include:
Pitha: A traditional Assamese sweet dish made from rice flour, typically filled with coconut, jaggery, or sesame seeds. Here is a snippet of simple Pitha Dish.
Assamese Rice PithaAssamese Pitha is a traditional sweet dish from the state of Assam, India. It is typically made of "Bora" rice flour, and can be filled with various sweet fillings such as grated coconut, jaggery, or khoya.
Check out this recipe Jolpan: A traditional breakfast dish consisting of rice flakes, curd, and various types of chutneys and pickles.
Assamese JolpanJolpan is a traditional Assamese breakfast dish that is popular in the northeastern region of India. It typically consists of a combination of rice flakes or beaten rice, curd, and various accompaniments such as pickles, chutneys, and fruits. The rice flakes or beaten rice are soaked in water to soften them, then served with a dollop of curd and topped with the accompaniments.
Check out this recipe Xaak aru dail: A vegetable dish made with a variety of leafy greens and dal.
Xaak aru DaliXaak Aru Dali is a traditional dish from the state of Assam in India, made with a leafy green vegetable called "xaak" (also known as colocasia or taro leaves) and lentils.
Check out this recipe Maasor Tenga: A fish curry made with a sour base of tomatoes and lemon.
Assamese Fish Curry (Machher Jhol)A popular Assamese fish dish is "Machher Jhol", which is a light fish curry made with fish, tomato, onion, and a blend of spices. It is typically served with steamed rice.
Check out this recipe Bora saul: A dish made of mixed lentils, typically served with fish or meat.
Bora Saul DishBora Saul is a crispy and crunchy snack that is often served as an Assamese appetizer or as a tea-time snack with mint or tamarind chutney. Bora Saul is a staple of Assamese cuisine and is enjoyed for its delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Check out this recipe Laru: A traditional Assamese sweet made of rice flour, typically filled with jaggery.
Assamese Laru"Laru" is a simple and quick to prepare sweet dish made from rice flour, gur (jaggery), and coconut, and is shaped into small round balls that are deep-fried until golden brown.
Check out this recipe Pitha, Til Pitha, Ghila Pitha, Laru and Narikol Laru are the most popular sweet dishes during Bihu.
Fish dishes such as fish curry and fish fry are also commonly enjoyed during Bihu.
Roe Fish Fry of AssamRoe Fish Fry of Assam is a popular dish in the northeastern part of India. It is made with roe fish, onions, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, green chillies, tomato paste, lemon juice, and salt. The fish is fried in oil until it is cooked through, and then it is garnished with fresh coriander before serving. The dish is typically served with steamed rice. The spices and herbs used in the dish give it a unique flavor that is both spicy and tangy. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Check out this recipe Chicken dishes like chicken curry and chicken fry are also commonly enjoyed during Bihu.
Kholasapori: A dish made with fish and a variety of vegetables, typically cooked in a bamboo shoot.
Assamese Snack KholasaporiKholasapori is an easy to make (hard to pronounce) traditional snack food from Assam, India, made from rice flour and urad dal batter. Kholasapori is typically served as an Assamese snack in India, often enjoyed with tea or other hot beverages.
Check out this recipe Xutuli bhaji: A dish made with the leaves of the xutuli plant, a type of fern, typically served with fish or meat.
Assamese Xutuli BhajiXutuli Bhaji is a traditional Assamese Fern dish from the northeastern India, made with the leaves of the xutuli plant, a type of fern. It is usually prepared with chopped xutuli leaves mixed with spices and then boiled or steamed to produce a vegetable dish that is typically served with fish or meat.
Check out this recipe Duck curry: A traditional Assamese dish made with duck meat and a variety of spices.
Assamese Duck CurryAssamese Duck Curry is a traditional dish that originates from Assam, India. It’s a flavorful dish with a thick and creamy gravy, made with spices like bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, ginger, and garlic. The curry is full of flavors and the duck meat is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, salt, and spices for several hours before it is cooked with potatoes, onions, and tomato puree. The dish is usually served with steamed rice or roti.
Check out this recipe Fish head curry: A traditional Assamese dish made with the head of a fish, typically served with rice.
Assamese Fish Head CurryAssamese Fish Head Curry is a traditional dish from the northeast part of India. It is a deliciously spicy dish made of fish head, tamarind, and various spices. The fish head is slow-cooked in a mix of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and other spices to create a rich, creamy, and tangy curry that is served with steamed rice.
Check out this recipe Fish roe fry: A dish made with fish roe, typically served as a side dish.
Doh Khleh: A traditional dish made of fermented soybean and meat, typically served with rice.
Doh Khleh Pork Dish of AssamDoh khleh is a traditional Khasi pork dish that is typically served as a salad. It is a relatively simple dish, made with boiled pork, onion, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. The nutritive values of the dish have been calculated and it is high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, it is a good source of dietary fiber and is low in saturated fat. Overall, Doh khleh is a healthy dish with a good nutrition profile.
Check out this recipe Pork with bamboo shoot: A traditional dish made with pork and bamboo shoots, typically served with rice.
Pork with Bamboo ShootPork with Bamboo Shoot is a savory dish that combines tender pieces of pork with sliced bamboo shoots in a flavorful sauce. The dish is typically stir-fried in a wok or skillet and seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. The addition of bamboo shoots gives the dish a crunchy texture and slightly earthy flavor. It is a popular dish in many North East Indian cuisines, including Assamese and Meghalayan Cuisine, and can be served with rice or other side dishes.
Check out this recipe Black gram dal: A traditional dish made with black gram dal and a variety of spices, typically served with rice.
Assamese Black DalAssamese Black Dal is a popular lentil dish from the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is made with black urad dal, also known as black lentils, that are cooked until soft and tender. The dal is then seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Check out this recipe Fish smoked in banana leaf: Fish is wrapped in banana leaf and smoked over low flame to get a distinct flavor.
Fish Smoked in Banana LeafFish Smoked in Banana Leaf is a traditional dish from the northeastern state of Assam in India. As the name suggests, it involves marinating fish with a blend of spices and then wrapping it in banana leaves to be cooked over an open flame or in a pan until tender and smoky.
Check out this recipe Khar: Khar is usually served as a palate cleanser or digestive after a heavy meal, and it is believed to have digestive properties.
Amita Khar of Assam (Papaya)Here is a recipe for Khar, a traditional food of Assam. Khar is a unique dish made with a special ingredient called kharoli, which is made by filtering water through the ashes of dried banana peels. The dish is often served as a palate cleanser or digestive after a heavy meal.
Check out this recipe Kolar Bora: Kolar Bora is a popular Assamese breakfast dish made with banana, coconut, and jaggery. It is usually served hot and is a great source of energy.
Kolar Bora (Ripe Banana Fritter)Kola Bora is a popular Assamese breakfast dish made with banana, coconut, and jaggery. It is usually served hot and is a great source of energy.
Check out this recipe Ghugni: Ghugni is a popular snack made with boiled yellow peas, onions, and a variety of spices. It is often served with chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
Matar Dal Assamese Ghugni (Zone Diet)Ghugni is a popular snack from Assam made with boiled yellow peas, onions, and a variety of spices. It is a flavorful and healthy snack that is easy to make.
Check out this recipe Bihu festival is a time of celebration and sharing, and people often come together to prepare and enjoy a variety of delicious dishes. Many of these dishes are made with local ingredients and have a rich cultural and historical significance.
