Plan a Kaziranga Tour on the Occasion of Magh Bihu
The nature’s splendour of Assam needs no introduction. The land of this northeastern state is a perfect blend of culture, festivals, devotion, hills, tea gardens, rivers and waterfalls, wildlife, cuisines, and so on. Kaziranga National Park is one of the most popular attractions of Assam. Known to be the largest abode of the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has the entitlement of UNESCO World Natural Site. Apart from Kaziranga, the cultural vibrancy of Assam entices tourists from far and wide to be a part of it. Among them, Bihu is the most popular festival of Assam and is celebrated thrice a year. In order to soak the cultural aspect as well as the wilderness of Assam together, let’s merge these two elements to craft a fantastic trip to Assam.
About the Bihu Festival
More than just a word, Bihu embodies an emotion. It goes beyond joy, teaching the Assamese people to embrace and celebrate even moments of sorrow. The Assamese community observes three main Bihu festivals: Rongali or Bohag Bihu, symbolizing happiness; Kongali or Kati Bihu, representing scarcity; and Bhogali or Magh Bihu, a festival of feasting. These celebrations originally revolved around significant milestones in the lives of Assam’s farmers, taking place during breaks in the agricultural cycle. Over time, they became a defining aspect of Assamese identity and culture. While the deep bond with nature has somewhat diminished, these vibrant festivals continue to be an integral part of the community’s cultural heritage.
The Assamese observe three Bihu festivals annually: Bohag Bihu in April, Magh Bihu in January, and Kati Bihu in October.
- Bohag Bihu, also known as the spring festival, is a time of joy and marks the Assamese New Year. This festival is filled with vibrant songs and dances, which are an essential part of the celebrations.
- Magh Bihu, celebrated in January, is the harvest festival and is all about feasting. People prepare a variety of traditional dishes to mark this occasion.
- In contrast, Kati Bihu, observed in October, is a quiet and solemn festival. It focuses on prayers for a good harvest and does not involve feasting or merry celebrations.
Kaziranga Safari Drive during the Magh Bihu
The reason behind choosing the Magh Bihu festival for planning a trip to Kaziranga is Magh Bihu is celebrated in the month of January. The celebration of Magh Bihu aligns with the festivities of Pongal and Makar Sankranti observed in various states. The weather condition is at its best in Assam in January and also is the Best time to visit Kaziranga. The jeep and elephant safari activities are prime attractions in Kaziranga National Park, along with river cruise at the River Brahmapura.
Coming to Kaziranga, you must spend at least a couple of days enjoying and exploring all the safari zones – Kohora, Bagori, Agaratoli and Burapahar, embarking on a jeep or an elephant. Jeep safaris in Kaziranga are conducted in morning and evening shifts, whereas elephant safaris are only available in the morning shift. Elephant safaris are only allowed in the Western Range of Kaziranga, that is the Bagori Zone. Book your preferred safaris in advance to prevent the unavailability of jeeps or elephants in the peak tourist season.
Engage yourself in the festivities of Magh Bihu in the evening after your evening safari in Kaziranga. You can visit any nearby village and interact with the locals to gain insight about the cultural significance of the festival and partake in their merry-makings for a fantastic experience of cultural immersion.
