Bihu is one of the most vibrant and cherished festivals in Assam. It brings people together to celebrate nature, harvest, and community spirit. But with modern celebrations becoming more elaborate, the environmental impact has also grown. From plastic decorations to food waste, Bihu can unintentionally harm the environment.
Luckily, there’s a way to enjoy this beautiful festival while protecting the Earth. By making a few conscious choices, you can celebrate an eco-friendly Bihu that stays true to tradition and respects nature.
Here are some practical tips to help you go green this Bihu.
1. Choose Natural Decorations
Let’s start with the visuals. Decorations play a big role in setting the festive mood, but many people use plastic flowers, synthetic banners, and disposable items that end up in landfills. Instead, switch to traditional and biodegradable materials.
Use banana leaves, bamboo, and fresh flowers to decorate your home. Handcrafted japis, locally-made clay lamps, and reusable fabric banners can add a personal and natural touch. These not only look beautiful but also support local artisans and reduce waste.
2. Wear Sustainable Traditional Attire
Wearing traditional clothes during Bihu is a proud custom. This year, choose handwoven clothes made from organic cotton or silk. Assam is known for its beautiful handloom fabrics like Muga, Eri, and Pat silk. By buying from local weavers, you not only embrace sustainable fashion but also support the rural economy.
Avoid synthetic outfits, which are often made using chemical dyes and non-biodegradable fibers. Choose clothes that last longer and reflect Assamese culture with pride.
3. Cook Seasonal and Local Food
Food is at the heart of any Bihu celebration. Instead of ordering packaged food or using disposable plates or plastic packaging, cook traditional dishes using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients & use biodegradable packaging. Dishes like pitha, larus, doi, chira, and jolpan taste even better when made at home with love. Serve food on reusable plates, banana leaves, or eco-friendly tableware. Not only will your food look more authentic, but you’ll also cut down on waste significantly.
4. Avoid Firecrackers
Although firecrackers are not a traditional part of Bihu, some people have started using them during celebrations. Firecrackers pollute the air, disturb wildlife, and pose a fire hazard. Let’s not allow this trend to grow.
Celebrate with traditional music, Bihu dance, and dhol beats. The sounds of dhol, pepa, and toka are far more festive and meaningful than the noise of firecrackers. They keep the spirit of Bihu alive without harming the environment.
5. Minimize Plastic Use
Plastic is everywhere these days, especially in packaging, decorations, and even gifts. During Bihu, the use of plastic often increases with gift exchanges and parties. But plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and pollutes our rivers, soil, and air.Choose eco-friendly gift wrapping like newspaper, cloth bags, or recycled paper. Carry jute or cotton bags when shopping for Bihu essentials. Say no to single-use plastics and inspire others to do the same.
6. Practice Community Clean-Up
After Bihu celebrations, public places, homes, and streets often get littered with food waste, wrappers, and decorations. Take the lead in organizing or joining a community clean-up drive after the festivities. It shows respect for your environment and helps build stronger neighborhood bonds.
Also, segregate your household waste. Separate organic waste from recyclable items to make it easier for waste collectors and recycling units.
7. Plant a Tree to Mark the Occasion
Bihu is a festival that celebrates the changing seasons and the rhythm of nature. What better way to honor that than by planting a tree? You can plant one in your backyard, community garden, or even in a pot on your balcony.
Involve children and teach them about the importance of greenery and conservation. A tree planted during Bihu can become a living memory of your commitment to a greener future.
8. Educate and Inspire Others
Finally, share your efforts and inspire others to celebrate Bihu in an eco-friendly way. Talk to your friends and family about the small changes they can make. Share tips on social media or host a sustainable Bihu gathering to showcase our inspiring ideas. Our university, college, and school spark awareness about environmentally friendly Bihu celebrations from a young age.
When more people recognize the consequences of their actions, meaningful change can occur. Eco-friendly celebrations are not about limiting Joy, they’re about celebrating with responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Bihu is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of life, love, nature, and community. By choosing eco-friendly ways to celebrate, we stay true to the essence of Bihu while protecting our planet for future generations.
So this year, let your Bihu be green, joyful, and conscious. Every small step counts—and your efforts can inspire many more to join the movement for a cleaner, greener Assam.
1. What is an eco-friendly Bihu celebration?
An eco-friendly Bihu celebration focuses on enjoying the festival sustainably. It includes avoiding plastic, using natural decorations, minimizing waste, and promoting environmentally conscious habits without compromising the joy of the festival.
2. Why should we celebrate Bihu in an eco-friendly way?
Because traditional celebrations often generate waste, pollution, and harm to nature. An eco-friendly approach respects the environment, reduces carbon footprint, and sets a positive example for others, especially when celebrated in educational institutions.
3. Can eco-friendly Bihu still be fun and traditional?
Absolutely! Using natural materials, wearing handloom clothes, enjoying cultural performances, and eating home-cooked food all keep the tradition alive while reducing environmental harm.
4. What type of decorations should we use on campus?
Use decorations made from natural and biodegradable materials such as:
Banana leaves
Bamboo
Fresh flowers
Earthen lamps
Handmade japis
Avoid plastic, thermocol, and synthetic ribbons.
5. How can students actively participate in green Bihu initiatives?
Students can:
Join decoration or cultural committees using sustainable practices
Participate in clean-up drives
Wear traditional handloom attire
Use reusable water bottles and cutlery during events
Promote green habits on social media
6. What are some eco-friendly food practices during Bihu events?
Serve food on banana leaves or biodegradable plates
Avoid packaged food and plastic bottles
Encourage homemade dishes using local ingredients
Avoid food wastage by proper planning and sharing
7. Is it possible to organize eco-friendly competitions during Bihu?
Yes! Try:
Sustainable fashion shows
Poster or slogan contests on green topics
Traditional craft-making using natural materials
Best “Eco-Warrior” award for the most conscious participant
8. How do we manage waste during and after the event?
Place separate bins for dry, wet, and recyclable waste
Use reusable or compostable tableware
Assign volunteers to monitor and manage waste disposal
Conduct a clean-up drive the next day
9. Can we include social causes in our Bihu celebration?
Definitely. Add activities like:
Tree plantation drives
Awareness campaigns on climate change
Fundraisers for local environmental NGOs
Green pledge boards or photo booths promoting eco-responsibility
10. How can we spread awareness about eco-friendly Bihu on campus?
Create digital posters and share on social media
Make short videos featuring students promoting green habits
Put up banners and placards across the campus
Include eco-friendly themes in Bihu skits and performances
Read a more article, click on: Must-Try Traditional Assamese Recipes: A Taste of Assam’s Best Dishes
