The Magh Bihu is also referred to as Bhogali Bihu or food festival and is celebrated in January. It is when winter sets out on its last course, making way for spring. The night before Magh Bihu Festival is called Uruka and is characterized by loads of merry-making and community feasts. However, many of the religious-minded folks of Assam choose to fast and pray on this night.
On Magh Bihu, people rise early in the morning and set fire to “mejis” which are temporary pavilions made of wood, bamboo and hay. After the burning of mejis, people sit down to enjoy their traditional Assamese fare. People can also witness some interesting bullfights and bird fights in the villages. Dance and music also become the order of the day as the day wears on. People also visit the homes of their friends and relatives to exchange pleasantries on the occasion of Bihu. You can attend Bihu Festival during the Assam tour, which you can book with us and embark on a memorable trip!
When is Bihu celebrated?
The Bihu celebrations begin on the last day of poh (according to the Assamese calendar). These festivities last till the month of Magha, between January and February in the English calendar. Feasts are organized and people enjoy this time for about a week.
The Magh Bihu Festival of Assam is an occasion when all differences are forgotten and people unite to celebrate in a pompous manner. If you travel to Assam during this time, make sure you are a part of the celebrations.
How is Bihu celebrated?
- In Assam, Bihu is celebrated with enthusiasm and passion. People offer prayers to the gods, prepare traditional dishes, and organize get-togethers.
- Uruka, the eve of Bihu, young men go built makeshift huts in the fields using leaves, bamboo, and thatch. These huts are called Bhelaghar.
- On the morning of Bihu, people lit bonfires or Meji and offered prayers to the gods.
- At night, all the people make delicious food and spend the entire night singing and dancing around the bonfire.
- The next day, Magh Bihu is celebrated. People take bath early in the morning and burn off the Meji.
- People enjoy several Assamese games such as buffalo fighting, tekeli bhonga (pot – breaking), cockfights, and egg fights.
- Rice cakes are the main food item made on the day of Bihu and distributed among others. There are several types of rice cakes like til pitha, narikol pitha, tekeli pitha, sunga pitha, and ghila pitha.
- Laru, a sweet made of coconut is also prepared. They are made of sesame, coconut, and murmura (puffed rice).
Significance of Magh Bihu
Bihu is also called Bhogali Bihu. The name ‘Bihu’ is believed to be taken from ‘bishu’ meaning ‘to ask for peace’. ‘Bhog’ in Bhogali stands for ‘eating with the community’.
