Fairs and Festivals of Assam

Outside Guwahati, there are lot more including the wilderness area in Kajeeranga, the scenic beauty of Cherapunji the Majuli Island, hill station of Haflong, Sibsagar, Bohang Bohang Bihu and Manas National Park are also major tourist attractions in Assam. But apart from all the fairs and festivals of Assam that are held in different times in a year are also major reasons behind the popularity of the state as a tourist destination.

Fairs and festivals of Assam are not only wonderful public gatherings but are also important part of cultural and religious traditions of the local people. Large number of people participate in the fairs and festivals of Assam and various social and recreational activities are performed there. Classical music and dances are common things that are seen in almost all fairs and festivals of Assam but apart from that dramas and theatres are also performed. Names and details of the most popular fairs and festivals of Assam are given below:

• Bihu: Held thrice in a year, Bihu is the biggest festival held in Assam. The one held in spring is known as Rangoli and is the most colorful among the three festivals. It is also known as Bohang Bihu and is generally held in mid-April. People sing classical and traditional songs, perform tradituional dances and wear traditional dresses like dhoti, mekhala gamocha and chadar. Held in Mid-January, Bhogali Bihu is basically a harvesting festival and buffalo fight is one of its important features. Kati bihu is held in the Month of Kartika or in Mid-October and is a tame festival compared to the other two bihus. Different tribal groups like Mishing, Deori and Moran celebrate the Kati Bihu with their traditional dances.

• Tea festival: organized by Assam Tourism in November every year, the Tea Festival is one of the most unique festivals held in Assam. Tea Festival includes visit to the tea gardens, golf courses and river cruises. You would also get a scope to visit the Guwahati Tea Auction Center
• Ambubasi Mela: Held in every monsoon at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Ambubasi Mela is a large fair that attracts lot of devotees from all parts of the country. Different Tantrik rituals are performed in this festival.

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