Top 10 Festival of Assam

Assam, a state in northeastern India, is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the popular festivals celebrated in Assam are:

Bihu Festival:

Bihu is the most popular festival of Assam, celebrated by the Assamese people with great enthusiasm and zeal. It is a three-day festival that signifies the start of the Assamese New Year. The festival is celebrated with the joy of music, dance, and delicious food. During the festival, people wear traditional attire and perform the Bihu dance. The festival is celebrated three times a year – Rongali Bihu in April, Kongali Bihu in October, and Bhogali Bihu in January.

Season: Rongali Bihu in April, Kongali Bihu in October, and Bhogali Bihu in January.

Ambubachi Mela:

Ambubachi Mela is a unique and famous festival celebrated in the Kamakhya temple of Guwahati. The festival is also known as Ameti, and it is celebrated for three days in the month of June every year. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, and it signifies the menstruation cycle of the goddess. During the festival, the temple remains closed for three days, and the devotees believe that the goddess is taking rest during this period. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of India and abroad.

Season: celebrated for three days in the month of June every year.

Baishagu Festival:

Baishagu is a harvest festival celebrated by the Bodo community of Assam. It is a seven-day long festival that falls in April every year. The festival is celebrated to welcome the new year and to thank the gods for the abundant harvest. During the festival, people wear traditional attire and perform the Bodo dance. The festival also includes activities like cockfighting, archery, and traditional games. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the Bodo culture and tradition.

Season: seven-day long festival that falls in April every year.

Dehing Patkai Festival:

Dehing Patkai Festival is a relatively new festival celebrated in Assam to promote eco-tourism and conserve the Dehing Patkai rainforest. The festival is celebrated every year in January in the districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The festival includes activities like trekking, bird watching, river rafting, and cultural programs. The festival aims to create awareness among people about the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Assam.

Season: celebrated every year in January in the districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.

Jonbeel Mela:

Jonbeel Mela is a unique festival of Assam, celebrated in the Morigaon district. The festival is celebrated to promote harmony and brotherhood among different tribes and communities. The festival is celebrated in January every year and includes activities like barter trading, cultural programs, and traditional sports. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the diverse cultural traditions of Assam.

Season: celebrated in January every year.

Doul Utsav:

Doul Utsav, also known as the Holi of Assam, is a festival of colors celebrated in the month of March. The festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season and to commemorate the love of Lord Krishna and Radha. During the festival, people smear colors on each other and exchange sweets and gifts. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the state.

Season: celebrated in the month of March.

Bohag Bihu:

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the biggest and most important festival of Assam. The festival is celebrated in April every year to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The festival is celebrated with the joy of music, dance, and delicious food. People wear traditional attire and perform the Bihu dance. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Assam.

Season: celebrated in April every year.

Bathow Puja:

Bathow Puja is a popular festival of the Bodo-Kachari community of Assam. It is celebrated to worship the deity Bathow and seek blessings for a prosperous life. The festival is celebrated in January and includes activities like traditional dances, cultural programs, and offering prayers to the deity. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Bodo-Kachari community.

Season: celebrated in January.

Me-Dum-Me-Phi:

Me-Dum-Me-Phi is a solemn festival celebrated by the Ahom community of Assam to pay homage to their ancestors. The festival is celebrated on 31st January every year and includes rituals like offering prayers and lighting lamps in memory of the departed souls. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ahom community.

Season: celebrated on 31st January every year.

Kherai Puja:

Kherai Puja is a popular festival of the Mishing community of Assam, celebrated to worship the deity Kherai. The festival is celebrated in the month of January or February and includes activities like traditional dances, cultural programs, and offering prayers to the deity. The festival is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Mishing community.

Season: celebrated in the month of January or February.

In conclusion, the festivals of Assam reflect the rich cultural diversity and traditions of the state. These festivals are an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the vibrant culture, delicious food, and traditional dances of Assam.

How to reach

Assam is well connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. The main airport in Assam is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. There are several trains that connect Assam to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The major railway stations in Assam are Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. Assam is also well connected to neighboring states like Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland by road. The National Highway 27 and 37 connect Assam to other states in India. Taxis, buses, and private cars are easily available for commuting within the state.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Assam is between the months of November and April when the weather is pleasant and mild. During this time, the temperature remains between 10°C to 25°C, and the humidity is relatively low, making it a comfortable time for travelers. This is also the peak tourist season in Assam, and visitors can enjoy the lush green landscapes, wildlife, and cultural festivals of the state.

However, if you are interested in wildlife tourism and want to explore the Kaziranga National Park, then the best time to visit is between November and April when the park remains open for visitors. On the other hand, if you want to experience the monsoon in Assam, then the months of June to September are ideal for you. The monsoon season is characterized by heavy rainfall and lush green landscapes, which is a delight for nature lovers. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting Assam during the peak monsoon season as the heavy rainfall can lead to landslides and disruption in travel plans.

Where to Stay

Assam has a range of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels and resorts. The major cities in Assam like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat have a good number of hotels and resorts that cater to the needs of travelers.

For budget travelers, there are many budget-friendly hotels and guest houses that offer basic amenities at affordable prices. These budget accommodations are suitable for backpackers and budget travelers.

For mid-range travelers, there are many mid-range hotels that offer comfortable stay with good amenities. These hotels are suitable for families and business travelers who are looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

For luxury travelers, there are many luxury hotels and resorts that offer world-class amenities and services. These hotels are ideal for travelers who want to indulge in luxury and pamper themselves.

Some of the popular hotels and resorts in Assam include the Taj Vivanta, Radisson Blu, Novotel Guwahati, and IORA – The Retreat, Kaziranga. There are also many homestays and eco-resorts that offer a unique experience of Assamese culture and hospitality.