Assam celebrates Rongali Bihu

Assam on Friday ushered in celebrations for Rongali Bihu, the state's most colourful festival. Rongali or the Bohag (spring) Bihu starts on the last day of the Assamese calendar month of Chot, which normally falls on April 13 or 14 annually. The first day is known as Goru Bihu and it is dedicated to the cattle. People in different parts of the state took their cattle to ponds and rivers and gave them a ceremonial bath and rubbed their bodies with 'dighalati pat' (leaf of a plant having medicinal value), which ward off the flies and insects. People also recited traditional hymns while praying for good health of the animal. The second day, which falls on the first day of new Assamese Calendar month of Bohag is known as Manhu Bihu. People put on new clothes along with singing and dancing. On this day, youngsters visit their elders and seek blessings.