Rongali Bihu fervour grips Guwahati as dance workshop draws large participants

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is a significant festival celebrated in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. (AP photo)

Bohag Bihu is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is observed with great enthusiasm, traditional rituals, and vibrant cultural festivities. (AP photo)

Bohag Bihu holds a great religious, agricultural, cultural, and social significance. This day represents the time of abundance and prosperity. The festival also celebrates the spirit of unity, harmony, and joyous festivities, bringing communities together in a spirit of togetherness. (AP photo)

Young men and women get dress up in beautiful vibrant clothes - women wearing traditional saree, men wear dhoti and gamosa and then they perform Bihu dance. This is the best way to showcase the culture. Bihu fairs are organise and people visit these fairs and take part in that. All people celebrate this day with their family, friends and relatives. and enjoy different types of delicacies. (AP photo)

The festival is observed with a number of customs and rituals, including as house cleaning and decoration, traditional dance and music performances, and the trading of traditional Assamese scarves, or bihuwan, as a sign of respect and goodwill. (AP photo)

"Goru Bihu," the first day of Bohag Bihu, is devoted to cattle, especially cows, who are bathed and garlanded. (ANI)

"Manuh Bihu," the second day, is devoted to humanity. People participate in communal events and feasts, wear traditional clothing, and perform folk dances such as Bihu dance. (AP photo)

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu is celebrated annually in the second week of April across the state with joy and fervour. (AP photo)

Rongali Bihu is a multi-day festival that typically spans seven days, each day known as 'Xaat Bihu.' The celebration involves various cultural activities, traditional rituals, and feasting. (ANI photo)

On the first day of Rongali Bihu - the cattle are washed, and smeared with a paste of fresh turmeric, black lentil, etc while people sing to them - "Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja, maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru (Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow from year to year, your mother is small, your father is small, but you be a large one)" and then the people also worship the cattle. (ANI photo)