Guwahati, 15th January: In Assam, the vibrant celebration of Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, holds great cultural and historical significance. Occurring in January, this harvest festival marks the culmination of the harvesting season and the transition from winter to warmer weather.
The first day, known as Uruka or Bihu Eve, symbolizes the end of the harvesting season and the Pausha month. Traditional foods like Chira, Pitha, Laru, and curd are prepared by women in preparation for the following day’s festivities.
The celebration includes Bhuj, a communal or family feast held late at night, accompanied by various indigenous rice beers with distinct names like Chuji, Nam-Lao, Zou, and Aapong. Despite regional variations in brewing techniques, rice remains the key ingredient, leading to slight differences in flavor and alcohol concentration.
Post-Uruka feast, people spend the night in temporary huts called Bhelaghars. Village youth often gather in these huts, warming themselves by the fire and enjoying vegetables they playfully acquire from residents’ homes.
On Magh Bihu, communities wake early, take showers, and gather around the sacred Meji, an embodiment of the Hindu God of Fire (Agni Devta). Offerings of coconuts and betel nuts appease the Meji, while dishes like Mitha aloo and muwa aloo are cooked over the Meji fire, savored by all age groups.
Magh Bihu celebrations feature various sporting events such as cockfights, buffalo races, nightingale contests, and egg throwing, attracting enthusiastic spectators. These diverse activities contribute to the festive spirit of the occasion.
This cherished festival has been celebrated for centuries, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the people. Magh Bihu serves as a time to appreciate nature’s abundance, strengthen friendships, and build a more cohesive society. The enduring tradition creates solidarity among individuals who share similar agricultural experiences, making it a significant cultural milestone in Assam.
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