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3 Bihu

Read about the festival of Bihu.

Bihu is the most popular festival in Assam and is celebrated to honour the importance
of agriculture in people’s lives. People celebrate three types of Bihu every year—Bohaag
Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu.

Bohaag Bihu is celebrated in the month of Bohaag (middle of April) and marks the

beginning of the seeding time. It is celebrated over several days. Traditional folk songs
and dances are the main attractions of this festival.

Kati Bihu is celebrated in the middle of October, when people perform silent prayers by
lighting earthen lamps in fields. It is the time when farmers are hoping for a good produce.

Magh Bihu indicates the end of the harvesting period. It is celebrated in the middle of
January. It is a festival of feasting. Women prepare traditional sweets which are shared
with friends, neighbours and relatives. People enjoy singing and dancing throughout the
night and light bonfires.

Bihu festival is celebrated by everyone in Assam. The festival promotes a spirit of love
and brotherhood among the people.

Choose the correct answer.

1. Which is the most popular festival in Assam?

a. Diwali b. Bihu c. Holi d. Pongal

2. Bihu is celebrated to honour the importance of ______.

a. agriculture b. good health c. good food d. fresh air

3. How many types of Bihu are there?

a. two b. three c. one d. four

4. Kati Bihu is celebrated in the middle of which month?

a. April b. March c. October d. January

5. What are the main attractions of Bohaag Bihu?

a. food b. folk songs and dance c. clothes d. lamps

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