New Beginnings with the Sacred Cow: Goru Bihu in Assam

Tale: As the Assamese New Year approaches, the first day of the Rongali Bihu festival is dedicated to cows, known as Goru Bihu. On this day, cows are ceremoniously bathed in rivers, smeared with turmeric paste, and worshipped by farmers who depend on them for their livelihood. The rituals performed during Goru Bihu signify the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of a new one, with cows at the heart of this transition.

The cow, as a symbol of prosperity and fertility, is honored with rituals that emphasize its importance in Assamese culture. The festival reflects the deep respect for cows as providers and protectors of the land.

The Science Behind It: Turmeric, used in the rituals of Goru Bihu, is a natural antiseptic that helps in maintaining the health of cows. This practice highlights the indigenous knowledge systems that integrate cow care with agricultural sustainability