Consider the following statements regarding the Bihu: 1) Bihu is the primary festival of the state of Assam. 2) It is celebrated by Bodo Tribe. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Correct Answer is Only 1. Key Points Bihu is the primary festival of the state of Assam . It is celebrated by all communities irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. It is a secular and largely non-religious harvest festival linked to the agricultural calendar and the cycle of paddy cultivation. Bihu acts as a symbol of unity for the Assamese people, fostering community bonds. The vibrant Bihu dance and folk songs (Bihu Geet) performed by young men and women are a central part of the celebrations, using instruments like the dhol (drum), pepa (buffalo horn pipe), and gogona (a reed instrument). People wear traditional Assamese clothes such as Mekhela Chador for women and Dhoti and Gamosa for men. The Three Types of Bihu: The three Bihu festivals revolve around the stages of the agricultural cycle. Festival Timing (Assamese Month) Significance Rongali Bihu Mid-April (Bohag) Marks the Assamese New Year and the start of the sowing season/spring. It is a time of joy ("Rong" means joy) and vibrant celebration. Kongali Bihu Mid-October (Kati) A more solemn, austere festival during the mid-crop season. People light earthen lamps in paddy fields and near the tulsi plant, praying for a good harvest. Bhogali Bihu Mid-January (Magh) A harvest festival marking the end of the harvesting season, characterized by community feasts (bhog), bonfires (meji), and traditional games. Additional Information Assam is often called the "Land of Fairs and Festivals," reflecting a unique blend of Aryan and non-Aryan traditions. Beyond the well-known Bihu, the state hosts several festivals of immense cultural and spiritual significance. Ambubachi Mela : Known as the "Mahakumbh of the East," it is held annually in mid-June at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. It marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising the fertility of Mother Earth. Majuli Festival & Raas Mahotsav : Celebrated in November on the world's largest river island, Majuli. It is the cradle of Neo-Vaishnavite culture established by the 15th-century saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Jonbeel Mela: Held in Morigaon, this fair is unique for its barter system, where tribal and non-tribal communities exchange goods like ginger and turmeric for dried fish. Me-Dam-Me-Phi: Celebrated by the Ahom community on January 31st every year to worship ancestors and seek blessings for the state's well-being.