festivals

The major festivals celebrated in Guwahati include:

• Ambubachi Mela – A carnival which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya who is believed to undergo her annual menstruation cycle during this time, which is supposed to be sacred as she radiates lot of power that blesses the devotees; this is held at the great Kamakhya Temple.
• Bihu – This is an important harvest/folk festival celebrated all over Assam state; there are 3 forms of Bihu namely.
  • Bohag/Rongali Bihu (celebrated in April to mark the beginning of the Assamese new year and welcome spring season)
  • Kati/Kongali Bihu (celebrated in mid-October to mark the maturing of paddy crops).
  • Magh/Bhogali Bihu (celebrated to mark the successful harvesting of crops)
• Rangoli Utsav – It is a fair held during the Bohag Bihu festival, which is celebrated to mark the Assamese new year.
• Brahmaputra Beach Festival – An annual fair/festival that honours the Brahmaputra River during the spring season; and is held along its shores. It is a three-day event that includes various cultural events, dancing, display of crafts, and some water sports too!
• Holi – Festival of colors, celebrated in March.
• Durga Puja and Navratri – Celebrated in Honor of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahishasur; celebrated in October.
• Diwali – Festival of Lights; Celebrated in October-November; honoring Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.