Assam soaked in the festive spirit of ‘Bhogali’ or ‘Magh Bihu’, the festival of feasts marking the abundance that follows the winter harvest. The three-day ‘Bhogali Bihu’ festival marks the end of the harvesting season and bountiful granaries.
Across the State, preparations are in full swing for ‘Uruka’, with markets brimming with Bihu delicacies – fresh vegetables, various types of fish, and other traditional items essential for the celebrations.
Women in households are busy preparing a wide array of desi cakes (pithas) made from rice flour, coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery, while young people are finishing the construction of ‘bhela ghars’- makeshift huts made from hay, thatch, bamboo, and banana leaves.
These structures will serve as gathering spots for feasts with family and friends on the night of ‘Uruka.’ The following morning (January 14), on the first day of Magh, the ‘bhela ghars’ are set alight along with ‘mejis’ as part of a ritual offering to the fire god.
Ahead of ‘Uruka’ tonight, markets across Assam, including those in Guwahati, are bustling with a vibrant array of fish, ducks, and goats, all in preparation for the grand feast. This marks the beginning of ‘Bhogali Bihu’, a time when communities come together to cook and share meals, celebrating the harvest they have reaped.
On the occasion of ‘Uruka’ and ‘Magh Bihu’, fish becomes a key component of the feast, leading to a rise in prices due to the increased demand.
Traditional games such as Tekeli Bonga (pot-breaking) and egg fights add a playful element to the festivities, drawing crowds and spectators from all corners.
On January 12, many parts of Assam saw people participating in community fishing, an age-old tradition that strengthens bonds among locals.
