Phato bihu of Dhakuakhana Assam: An analytica...

Phato bihu of Dhakuakhana Assam: An analytical Study

Author Name : Boby Kalita

ABSTRACT Though not exactly known, the Bihu festival has been celebrated since around the sixteenth century A.D. on the banks of the Charikoria river in Dhakuakhana at the far east corner of Assam with its unique characteristics is known as 'Phato Bihu' (or Phaat Bihu) Presently this Bihu is celebrated regularly on the Mohghuli Chapari (sandbank) of Charikoria river for three consecutive days starting from Friday and continuing on Saturday and Sunday of the last week of 'Bohag' the first month of Assamese calendar (2nd week of May). Phato Bihu is the heritage of Dhakuakhana. It is the cultural wealth of the area. Presently its appeal has crossed the boundary of the State and the country and reached places far and wide across the seas and oceans. Since the days of the Ahom reign, Phato Bihu has been considered an occasion of cultural union of various races and creeds in the Dhakuakhana region. Though there is visibly no great characteristic difference with other national culture and folk-culture, it has some special characteristics, some unique features – that has given Phato Bihu a special identity.