Fast, Fair and Festivals of India Fast, Fair and Festivals of India
BOHAGGIYO BISHU
Celebrated In : Assam
Celebrated by : Deoris
In the month of : April
Main Attractions : Deodhani Dance and Husori or Carol Song party
The most fascinating spring festival of the Deoris. The Deoris are one of the four divisions of the 'Chutiyas', which are believed to have been members of the great y race. The term 'Bishu' might have originated from the Chutiya word 'Bishu'. "Bi" means extreme and "Su" means 'rejoicing'.
A Weeklong Celebration
Like all other springtime tribal festivals, Bohagiyo Bishu is also observed during mid-April at a stretch for seven days with unrestricted joy and merrymaking. It is to be observed that Deori Bihus do not always fall on the Sankranti day. A 'Than Puja' must precede the Bihus and evidently it must start on Wednesday..
Deodhani Nritya
The Ritual
There is also much socio-religious significance and arrangements to be made before the puja. Once in every four years a white buffalo is sacrificed, which is considered as a substitute for the traditional human sacrifice. The Deodhani dance forms the most important and significant part of the festival. 'Husori' or Carol Song party is the main attraction. Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, and Nagaon are the places, which are the centre of attraction during celebration of this festival.