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The most fascinating spring festival of the
Deoris. The
Deoris are one of the four
divisions of the 'Chutiyas', which are believed to have been members of
the great Boro race. The term
'Bishu' might have originated from the Chutiya word 'Bishu'. "Bi"
means extreme and "Su" means 'rejoicing'.
A Weeklong Celebration
Like
all other springtime tribal festivals, Bohagiyo Bishu is also observed
during mid-April at a stretch for seven days with unrestricted joy and
merrymaking. It is to be observed that Deori Bihus do not always fall on
the Sankranti day. A 'Than Puja' must precede the Bihus and evidently it
must start on Wednesday.
The Ritual
There is also much socio-religious significance and arrangements to be
made before the puja. Once in every four years a white buffalo is
sacrificed, which is considered as a substitute for the traditional human
sacrifice. The Deodhani dance forms the most important and significant
part of the festival. 'Husori' or Carol Song party is the main attraction.
Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, and Nagaon are the places, which are the
centre of attraction during celebration of this festival.