Rongali Bihu or Bohag bihu, the biggest festival of Assam celebrated by all communities to welcome the spring season, began on Friday with men and women in traditional Muga silk (golden silk) attires dancing to the rhythm of Bihu tunes and beatings of the bihu dhol (traditional drum) across the State.
The first day of the festivities, being the last day of the outgoing Assamese calendar year, was observed as Garu Bihu (for cattle).
Rural folks took their cattle to rivers for a special bath, and wished them long life.
On Saturday, Manuh Bihu (for man) will be observed to mark the beginning of the new Assamese calendar year.
On this day, the traditional gamocha woven on handlooms is offered as bihuwan to one's near and dear and also to guests.
In the city, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his wife Dolly Gogoi and son Gaurav Gogoi joined the celebrations on the Latasil playground.
Mr. Gogoi danced with young Bihu dancers and played dhol, adding to the festivity. He wished the people a happy and prosperous Assamese new year.
The All Assam Students' Union organised the annual open-air (Mukoli Bihu) celebrations on the Judges' Field here, where classical vocalist Begum Parveen Sultana hoisted the Bihu flag.
Her husband Ustad Dilchad Khan was accorded a public felicitation by the student body.
Bihu dance troupes, Tai-Phake and Sonowal-Kachari dance troupes from upper Assam enthralled the city residents.
