Lohri Magh Bihu
Bihu is the national festival of Assam thrice in a year. The Bohaag Bihu is the month of April (baishak), Magh Bihu in January, and "Kaati" in October. The months of Bihu are set according to the farming calendar as it is a harvest festival.
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
The Assamese also know Lohri Magh Bihu as Bhogali Bihu. Bhogali means "Bhog" reflecting harvest and food. This Bihu starts on January 14, 2011 and will last until January 16, 2011. It marks the end of harvest in the state. The specialty dish of Magh Bihu in Assam, India is rice cake. The dish is prepared and cooked in the agrarian communities of the state. "Uruku" brings the Assamese families a great amount of enjoyment and thrill. You can also be part of the state's celebrations by planning for an India travel.
| Fairs and Festivals in Assam |
| more Fairs and Festivals in Assam... |
Preparation for Lohri Magh Bihu begins with the construction of a hut like structure of thatched roof. The structure, "meji ghar", built on the rice fields is set aflame on the first day of the festival. An important festival of India, the Assamese community prepares for a grand feast, traditional dances, and bullfights. The Bihu dance of Assam has a world acclamation for the beautiful costume worn by both men and women. The dinner on Bihu night is organized beside the "meji ghar" and people savor the fish delicacies. The ashes of the "meji ghar is sprinkled in the farm fields to bring in fertility of the land. This tradition is however changing in many communities. Dinner is prepared in the households to entertain relatives and friends.
| Festivals in January 2012 |
| Festival Name | Festivals Day/Date |
| Dr. Sampoornanand Jayanti | 1 Jan, Sunday |
| New Year Day | 1 Jan, Sunday |
| Rashtriya Balika Diwas | 3 Jan, Tuesday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | 5 Jan, Thursday |
| Island Tourism Festival | 5-15 Jan, Thursday(starting) |
| International Kite Festival | 9-12 Jan, Friday |
| Kolkata Festival | 11 - 15 Jan Wednesday (starting) |
| National Youth Day | 12 Jan, Thursday |
| Lohri Magh Bihu (Assam, Bengal) | 13 Jan, Friday |
| Makara Sankranti / Uttarayan | 14 Jan, Saturday |
| Pongal | 14 - 17 Jan, Friday-Sunday |
| Pattadakkal Dance Festival | 14 Jan, Saturday |
| Army Day | 15 Jan, Saturday |
| Vivekanada Jayanti | 16 Jan, Monday |
| Hampi Festival | 18 Jan, Wednesday |
| Hampi Festival 500th Anniversary | 18 Jan, Wednesday |
| Modhera Dance Festival | 20 - 22 Jan, Friday - Sunday |
| Jaipur Literature Festival | 20- 24 Jan, Friday-Tuesday | Desh Prem Diwas | 23 Jan, Monday |
| Netaji Jayanti | 23 Jan, Monday |
| Republic Day | 26 Jan, Thursday |
| Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Puja | 28 Jan, Friday |
| Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination Day | 30 Jan, Monday |
| Martyr's Day | 30 Jan, Monday |
| Mamallapuram Festival | 27 Dec, 2011- Jan 26, 2012, Tuesday-Thursday |
| Kerala Village Fair | Mid Jan |
| Agni Utsav(Orissa) | Mid January |
