Magh Bihu

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam and is observed in the Assamese month of Magh (January). ‘Bhogali’ means ‘feasting’ in Assamese and is a two-day festival, dedicated to Agni, the fire god. In 2008, Magh Bihu is on January 15.

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam and is observed in the Assamese month of Magh (January). ‘Bhogali’ means ‘feasting’ in Assamese and is a two-day festival, dedicated to Agni, the fire god. In 2008, Magh Bihu is on January 15.

On the first day of the Bhogali Bihu festival, known as Uruka, young men construct ‘mejis’ or ‘bhelaghars’ with bamboo and wood pieces in farmland or open spaces. A community feast is held on the Uruka night, which includes fish delicacies.

The next day is the Makar Sankranti day, which is the Magh Bihu day, and the ‘meji’ is lit and a lavish feast is held. The ashes of the meji are scattered on the farmlands to increase fertility. Bhogali Bihu is observed on the first day of the Magh month of Assamese calendar.

During Magh Bihu people visit their relatives and share varieties pithas (sweet rice cake), chira (rice flakes), chunga pitha (rice cake in bamboo tubes), and different types of other sweets. Buffalo fights are organized during Magh Bihu in rural Assam.

On the first day of the Bhogali Bihu festival, known as Uruka, young men construct ‘mejis’ or ‘bhelaghars’ with bamboo and wood pieces in farmland or open spaces. A community feast is held on the Uruka night, which includes fish delicacies.

The next day is the Makar Sankranti day, which is the Magh Bihu day, and the ‘meji’ is lit and a lavish feast is held. The ashes of the meji are scattered on the farmlands to increase fertility. Bhogali Bihu is observed on the first day of the Magh month of Assamese calendar.

During Magh Bihu people visit their relatives and share varieties pithas (sweet rice cake), chira (rice flakes), chunga pitha (rice cake in bamboo tubes), and different types of other sweets. Buffalo fights are organized during Magh Bihu in rural Assam.