The lush green paddy fields of Assam turn little brighter during this time of the year. It is the middle of April and the people of Assam are gearing up to welcome New Year. Known as Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, this festival is an integral part of the Assamese culture. The manicured tea gardens are geared up to produce their first flush of the year. Spring and Assam share a very special bond and they celebrate Bohag Bihu 2018 that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. Individuals will rejoice this festival which will begin on April 15 and will continue till April 21, 2018.

Bihu is celebrated thrice a year- Mag or Bhogali Bihu in January, Bohag or Rongali Bihu in April and Kati or Kongali Bihu in October or November. It is believed that the term ‘Bihu’ originated from the language of the Dimasas, one of Assam’s many tribal communities. The word ‘bi’ means ‘to ask’ and ‘shu’ means peace and prosperity in the world; together it makes ‘Bishu’ which is now commonly known as Bihu and the celebration is meant for entire state.

Here is a GIF which you can use to wish Happy Bohag Bihu 2018 to your friends and family!

To be celebrated on April 15, Bohag Bihu 2018 is observed at almost the same time as Baisakhi in Punjab, Poila Baisakh in Bengal, Puthandu in Chennai and Vishu in Kerala. Irrespective of their culture and background the people of Assam take part in the festivities, highlighting a celebration of diversity. The celebration last for seven days and seven different events are covered. These seven days are known as Chot, Raati Goru, Manuh, Kutum, Mela and Chera. On this special occasion, Twitter has been flooded with Bohag Bihu 2018 wishes!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his wishes on the occasion of Bohag Bihu 2018.

Bohag Bihu wishes to my Assamese sisters and brothers. A festival characterised by energy and enthusiasm, may this auspicious day bring happiness and good health in our society.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2018

Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar tweeted too!

Greetings to all on the occasion of Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Vishu, Puthandu, Poila Boishakh and Maha Vishuba Sankranti. May these festivities fill everyone's life with lot of joy, prosperity & happiness.

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 14, 2018

Happy Rongali Bihu!

Happy Bohag Bihu to my friends, followers & ur families ! ☺️☺️☺️ pic.twitter.com/2h6BPkdesx

— {Bajrangi} Pikachu (@CutePikachu820) April 14, 2018

May you have a wonderful year ahead...

Today is d first day of d new year and I hope dat evry new day of this new year fills u wid new hopes, dreams, new beginnings n new oppurtunities..

Belonging from #Assam we celebrate this new year as #BohagBihu. So wish u a vry successful year ahead wid tons of luv.. pic.twitter.com/d5gr4xTd0N

— Mandita Medhi Century (@mandita_medhi) April 14, 2018

The rituals for all the days begin early the morning which again lasts till late night. Cows in the household are given a bath, individuals sing Bihu geet, they adorn themselves in new clothes, visits their relatives, they even prepare traditional sweets, dance on the tune of dhol and pepa and they celebrate Assamese New Year with much fervour. So, engage in the celebration of fertility, enjoy the environment filled with Bihu geet and indulge yourself in the delicious traditional food of Assam. Happy Bhogali Bihu 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2018 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).