Rongali Bihu, or Bohag Bihu, is the heartbeat of Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. It is celebrated in mid-April, but nowadays related events continue for almost a month. This festival combines agrarian traditions with vibrant urban festivities. With roots tracing back to ancient times, Rongali Bihu has grown into a grand cultural spectacle in Guwahati, where communities come together to celebrate Assamese heritage. The people here take Bihu so seriously that in 2023, Guwahati made history with over 11,000 dancers performing the largest-ever synchronized Bihu dance, earning a Guinness World Record and showcasing the festival’s global cultural impact.
Before getting into the details, do note the following points if it is your first time in Assam,
- There are three different types of Bihus. Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, is celebrated in April to mark the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring, filled with joyous feasts, traditional Bihu dance, and songs that reflect the spirit of renewal and agricultural prosperity. Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, observed in January, centers around the harvest season. Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu is a somber festival in October, focusing on prayers for crop protection and prosperity. The festivities discussed below take place during Rongali Bihu in April.
- At its rawest form, Bihu is an agrarian festival that takes place in the open fields in the villages. However, you’ll have to go deep into the rural areas of Assam to experience that. The urban areas organize them in a more formal manner, where trained artists perform on stage at specific places. These events have gradually grown bigger and also involve other cultural performances and shows by celebrity artists, especially singers, that continue throughout the night.
- Bihu is a festival that draws from diverse indigenous cultures of Assam. Various ethnic groups in Assam also have similar festivities around the same time. This is a unique experience that you must not miss if you are here in April.
Whether you’re a mere traveller or a connoisseur of exotic culture, you will enjoy attending a Bihu event in Guwahati. So, here are the top 10 Rongali Bihu Celebrations in Guwahati.
Mukoli Bihu at Judges’ Field
Organized by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) since 1982, Mukoli Bihu at Judges’ Field is an open-air celebration that blends tradition with modernity. Folk performances like husori and ethnic dances make this event a cultural hotspot. It’s a one-day event held on the first day of Bihu and is perfect for those seeking an authentic rural vibe in the heart of Guwahati.
Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani at Latasil Field
Dating back to 1931, this is one of Guwahati’s oldest organised Bihu celebrations. Initiated by Radha Govinda Baruah and other prominent citizens, it hosts prestigious competitions like Bihu Samragi, Bihu Rani, and Bihu Kuwori. Performing here is considered an honor among artists.. Known as the OG of Guwahati’s Bihus, it exudes tradition and prestige.
Pub-Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan at Chandmari Field
Established in 1961 at the AEI playground, this iconic event is known for its electric atmosphere and deep community roots. Legends like Bhupen Hazarika have performed here in front of thousands who would gather on the nearby flyover to witness the spectacle. This year marks its 64th edition, making it a must-visit for travellers.
Noonmati Bihu Sanmilani
Noonmati’s celebration began around 1963 at the Gauhati Refinery Sector-II playground and has become a cornerstone of folk art preservation in Guwahati. Competitions in dance and music nurture local talent while keeping Assamese traditions alive.
Ulubari Rongali Bihu Sanmilani
Since its inception in the mid-1960s at Ulubari Shiv Mandir, this neighborhood celebration has evolved into a cultural hub for locals. Its longevity and focus on community participation make it a highlight of Guwahati’s festive calendar.
Gitanagar Bihu Sanmilan
Active since the late 1970s, Gitanagar’s celebration offers an inclusive atmosphere with lively performances by emerging artists. Flanked by hills, this venue provides a picturesque backdrop for families celebrating Assamese heritage during Bohag Bihu.
Rajgarh Bihutoli Bihu
One of the oldest neighborhood celebrations in Guwahati, Rajgarh’s intimate atmosphere fosters local bonhomie while showcasing traditional music and dance performances.
Beltola High School Bihu
Held near Beltola’s bustling rural market, this celebration draws massive crowds every year. Icons like Zubeen Garg often perform here, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Hengrabari Bihu
Hengrabari’s vibrant festivities include energetic dance performances and community-driven events that reflect how Rongali Bihu adapts to Guwahati’s evolving urban landscape while staying true to its roots.
Rongali Festival, Khanapara
A modern addition to Guwahati’s festive scene, the Rongali Festival blends traditional Assamese culture with contemporary music, art exhibitions, food stalls, and handicrafts. It attracts cosmopolitan crowds while celebrating Assam’s evolving identity.
Plan Your Visit
While Rongali Bihu celebrations span throughout Bohag (mid-April to mid-May), most major events occur during its first three to four days (April 13–16). Whether you’re drawn to traditional folk dances or modern cultural fusions, these venues offer an unforgettable experience of Assam’s vibrant spirit. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the festivities. Be in the Loop, always!
PS: All images are from Mukoli Bihu at Judges’ Field 2025
PPS: If you think some other Bihu in Guwahati needed to be included in this list, we can always enhance this list. Please drop us a mail with details at loopguwahati@gmail.com
