Dancing to the rhythm of drums

Farmers all over India have  dances to welcome every seasonal change and in Assam it is Bihu. Men, women, children, no matter young or old, participate in this dance of joy. The biggest harvest festival is the Bohang Bihu and is a non-religious festival celebrated irrespective of class and caste.

In rural areas the celebrations begin with cattle rites and the first day is especially dedicated to them. The cows and bullocks are pampered and they are let free to graze any field without restraint. The rest of the days are marked by distributing sweets, conducting fairs, sports and games. People, especially youngsters dance to the beat of drum (dhol) and flute (pepa).