Participate In The Top Festivals of Guwahati: Best Travel Guide

Q: What are the major festivals celebrated in Guwahati?

Major festivals of Guwahati include Bihu (Rongali and Bhogali), Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali, and Brahmaputra River Festival. These festivals showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and offer a unique experience for tourists.

Q: How can tourists participate in Guwahati’s cultural events?

Tourists can participate in Guwahati cultural events by attending festivals, visiting temples and cultural institutions, and engaging with local communities. Many events offer workshops, performances, and exhibitions that allow tourists to experience the city’s vibrant culture firsthand.

Q: When does the Brahmaputra river festival take place in Guwahati?

The Brahmaputra River Festival takes place twice a year in Guwahati, once in February and again in November. The festival celebrates the river’s significance in Assamese culture and features Guwahati cultural events, adventure activities, and stunning riverfront fireworks.

Q: What is the significance of Ambubachi Mela in Guwahati?

Ambubachi Mela is a one among the many significant Guwahati festivals, held in June, which marks the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. The festival celebrates feminine power and creativity, and thousands of devotees attend to seek blessings and participate in rituals and Guwahati cultural events.

At the gateway to the Northeast, is a city that celebrates festivals with vibrant colours and a joyous spirit. The city hosts a plethora of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. From traditional Assamese festivals to modern cultural events, the festivals of Guwahati have something to offer for everyone.

With its rich cultural heritage, the city comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and dance throughout the year. From the traditional festivals of Guwahati like Bihu, Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, to modern cultural events like the International Film Festivals of Guwahati, the Guwahati Book Fair, and the Guwahati Music Festival, the city offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors and locals alike. If you looking for the best places to visit in Guwahati, following the locations of the many festivals of Guwahati will give you a comprehensive guide!

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Bihu: The Vibrant Festival of Assam

Bihu is one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals of Guwahati that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the gateway to the Northeast. It is a festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Assam and is observed twice a year – in April and January.

Rongali Bihu (April)

Rongali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with great fervour. The festival is a three-day affair, with each day having its own significance.

Bhogali Bihu (January)

Bhogali Bihu marks the end of the harvesting season and is a two-day festival. The first day is called Uruka, and the second day is called Bhogali Bihu.

– Traditional Assamese Cuisine: Bihu celebration in Guwahati is incomplete without traditional Assamese dishes like “Jolpan”, “Pitha”, and “Laddu”.

– Folk Music and Dance: Bihu is celebrated with traditional Assamese folk music and dance, like “Bihu Geet” and “Jhumur”.

– Colorful Attire: People wear traditional Assamese attire, like “Mekhela Chador” and “Dhoti”, during Bihu celebration in Guwahati.

– Community Celebrations: Bihu is celebrated with great community spirit, with people coming together to sing, dance, and feast.

Durga Puja Guwahati

Durga Puja is one of the most significant festival of Guwahati, Assam. The city hosts three separate Durga Puja celebrations, each with its own unique charm and attractions. The three celebrations are:

– City Durga Puja: This is the main Durga Puja Guwahati celebration , held in the heart of the city. It features elaborate pandals, beautiful idols of Durga, and cultural events like music, dance, and drama performances.

– Outskirts Durga Puja: This celebration is held on the outskirts of Guwahati, in areas like Chandmari, Silpukhuri, and Panbazar. It has a more local flavor, with traditional Assamese cuisine, folk music, and dance performances.

– Kamakhya Durga Puja: This celebration is held in the nearby town of Kamakhya, which is famous for its ancient Kamakhya Temple, the top among the various temples in Guwahati. It has a strong religious significance, with thousands of devotees visiting the temple during the festival.

All three Durga Puja Guwahati celebrations are unique and worth experiencing, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the festive spirit of Guwahati.

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Brahmaputra River Festival in Guwahati

The Brahmaputra River Festival in Guwahati is a significant event in Assam, that celebrates the importance of the Brahmaputra River in Assamese culture and heritage. The festival is held twice a year, once in February and once in November, and each celebration has its own unique charm and attractions.

February Guwahati Festivals:

– The February festival is held during the spring season when the weather is pleasant and the river is in full flow.

– The festival features a range of cultural events, including traditional Assamese music, dance, and theater performances.

– The highlight of the festival is the majestic river procession, where decorated boats and ships sail along the river, accompanied by traditional music and drumbeats.

– The festival also features stalls selling local handicrafts, food, and drinks, as well as an exhibition showcasing the history and significance of the Brahmaputra River.

November Guwahati Festivals:

– The November festival is held during the autumn season when the weather is cool and the river is calm.

– The festival features a range of adventure activities, such as boat racing, kayaking, and fishing.

– The highlight of the festival is the stunning riverfront fireworks display, which illuminates the night sky and reflects off the river waters.

– The festival also features a food festival, where local cuisine and delicacies are showcased, as well as a cultural program featuring traditional Assamese music and dance.

Overall, the Brahmaputra River Festival is a unique and exciting experience that celebrates the beauty and significance of the Brahmaputra

Diwali in Guwahati

Diwali is a festival of lights and it is celebrated with great pomp like in most cities of India. The city looks amazing with lights everywhere. Diyas, candles, and electric lights are seen everywhere. Firecrackers can be seen burning everywhere and people continue the fun for two long nights. It is during this festive season that the entire city comes together as one.

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Traditional Guwahati Festivals

1. Bhogali Bihu / Magh Bihu:

This bihu is the festival of Feast and merry-making. It is during this time that the harvest is rich and so people feast together. The bihu is in the month of Assamese month ‘Magh’ and January according to the English calendar. The first night of Bihu is called ‘Uruka’ when people feast together and they build a cottage-like tower with hay which is known as Bhela Ghar. This is burnt in the morning of Bihu and it is said that winter is bid farewell with the burning fire of the Bhela Ghar. And then everyone has ‘Doi-seera’ together: family and friends.

2. Ambubachi Mela:

Held in the month of June every year, Ambubachi Mela is a very important fair and festival that is celebrated every year in Guwahati. Legends say that this is the month during which Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle period and hence all the temple doors remain closed. After three days, the temple doors are opened and then different rituals are conducted in the temple premises. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country come to Guwahati during this time.

3. Kongali Bihu / Kati Bihu:

Also known as Kati Bihu, Kongali Bihu is during the month of October. This Bihu is a festival of less merriment since it is during the time when the agriculture and harvest is less and so people light earthen lamps in order to pray to Tulsi plant, granaries, paddy fields, and gardens. The earthen lamp called the ‘axabonti’ is lit on bamboo poles to show the way to the souls of the dead towards heaven.

4. Me-Dum-Me-Phi:

Me-Dum-Me-Phi is an important festival of the Ahom community. The festival is a prayer to the ancestors for showing them respect and gratitude for their contribution. The festival derived its name from the words ‘Me’ meaning offerings, ‘Dum’ meaning ancestors, and ‘Phi’ meaning God. Thus the festival is a remembrance to the ancestors and the dead.

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Some of the modern Guwahati cultural events:

– Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF): This festival showcases a diverse range of national and international films, including feature films, short films, and documentaries. It provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences. The festival includes screenings, workshops, and discussions, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts.

– Guwahati Book Fair: This event celebrates literature and promotes reading and writing. It features stalls selling books, author meet-and-greets, book launches, and literary discussions. The fair provides a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to connect and share their love for literature.

– Guwahati Music Festival: This festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of Assam and showcases various genres of music, including traditional, classical, and contemporary. It features performances by local and national artists, workshops, and music competitions, making it a treat for music lovers.

Guwahati festivals are a beautiful mix of old and new, traditional and modern. The city celebrates many different festivals throughout the year, each with its own unique spirit and charm. From Bihu and Durga Puja to the Brahmaputra River Festival, and from Assamese traditional festivals to modern events like film, book, and music festivals, Guwahati has something for everyone. The city comes alive with color, music, and dance, inviting everyone to join in the fun and experience its vibrant culture. So come and enjoy Guwahati’s festivals, and take back memories that will stay with you forever!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major festivals celebrated in Guwahati?

How can tourists participate in Guwahati’s cultural events?

When does the Brahmaputra river festival take place in Guwahati?

What is the significance of Ambubachi Mela in Guwahati?

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