3. Describe how the Kacharis celebrate their festival during the time of Assamese Magh Bihu.

Although the Kacharis, the most numerous tribe of Assam, have similar customs like the Magh Bihu, they differ in certain features. Describe the manner in which the Kacharis celebrate their festival during the time of Assamese Magh Bihu.

Ans: Tribes of Assam are often recognized as the first inhabitants of the land who belong to various tribal groups. Among them, the Kacharis are the most numerous tribe of Assam, constituting a large part of the population of Assam. The Kacharis follow similar customs to those practised by the Assamese people during Magh Bihu. But they differ in certain aspects. Like the Assamese people, they also tie cords round fruit-bearing trees.

They offer rice to the flying, the sinking and moving—to birds, fishes and animals like dogs and pigs. Further, on the Domahi day, they put a mark of water mixed with cow-dung around their granary. On the seventh day of the Magh Bihu, the Kacharis again clean their utensils. They sacrifice fowl to Bathou, their god, and go out carol singing, collecting eatables. They call this custom ‘magan’ or begging.

Another noteworthy feature is that Kacharis consider the construction of the Bhelaghars and setting fire to them to be the exclusive privilege of cowherd boys. The boys burn the Bhelaghars before dawn, before the crows come out of their nests. The leading cowherd, accompanied by the other boys of the village, prays for the glory and prosperity of the village while setting fire to the Bhelaghar. Thus, the Kacharis celebrate their festival of Magh Bihu in a manner different from the Assamese Magh Bihu in certain customs.

Although the Kacharis, the most numerous tribe of Assam, have similar customs like the Magh Bihu, they differ in ce

rtain features.