Part of: Assam Gk set 21

In Assam why do people celebrate bihu

Category: Assam Gk

Hint: Consider the agricultural cycle and its relation to Bihu.

Correct Answer: A) They celebrate bihu because the rice crops are harvested.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Bihu is a significant festival celebrated in Assam, a state in northeastern India. The festival is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of the region and is celebrated three times a year: Rongali Bihu (in April), Kongali Bihu (in October), and Bhogali Bihu (in January). Each of these festivals marks a different phase of the agricultural cycle.

The most important of these is Rongali Bihu, which is celebrated at the beginning of the spring season and the Assamese New Year. It coincides with the beginning of the agricultural year, when farmers start preparing the fields for the sowing of rice. This festival is a time of joy and celebration, as it marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and the hope for a bountiful harvest.

Bhogali Bihu, on the other hand, is celebrated after the harvest season, typically in January. It is a time when the farmers have completed their harvest and are celebrating the abundance of the crops they have reaped. This festival is characterized by feasting, community gatherings, and the sharing of food, which reflects the prosperity brought about by the successful harvest.

The celebration of Bihu is not just a cultural event but also a reflection of the agricultural economy of Assam. Rice is the primary crop in the region, and the success of the rice harvest is crucial for the livelihood of the farmers. Therefore, the festival is a way to express gratitude for the harvest and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the farmers.

While family gatherings and rest periods are part of the celebration, the primary reason for Bihu is the agricultural cycle and the harvest of rice crops. The festival is a way to honor the agricultural traditions and the importance of farming in Assamese culture. It is a time when the community comes together to celebrate the bounty of the land and the hard work of the farmers.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Bihu is celebrated in Assam primarily because it marks the harvesting of rice crops, which is a significant event in the agricultural calendar of the region. The festival is a celebration of the harvest and the hard work of the farmers.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While farmers do work hard throughout the year, Bihu is not primarily a celebration for rest. It is specifically tied to the agricultural cycle and the harvest of rice crops.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Although family gatherings are a part of the celebration, the primary reason for Bihu is the harvest of rice crops. The festival is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and not just a time for family bonding.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Since option A correctly identifies the reason for celebrating Bihu, this option cannot be correct.
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