Assam: The air in Assam is filled with the enticing aroma of traditional delicacies and the rhythmic sound of the dheki, a wooden rice-grinding tool, as the state gears up for the much-awaited Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu. This harvest festival marks the end of the agricultural season and holds immense cultural significance in Assam, drawing communities together to celebrate the culmination of a year’s hard work.
At the heart of the celebrations is the ceremonial bonfire, or Meji, which symbolizes gratitude to the God of Fire. Villages across Assam, including Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, and the Jorhat district, are abuzz with activity as people prepare for the festivities.
Chaya Bora, a resident of Majuli, shared, “The youth and adults are busy building Bhelaghar and Meji. Today, we have all come together to enjoy and take part in these preparations. I wish everyone a very happy Magh Bihu.”
The festival is deeply rooted in tradition, with families coming together to construct Bhelaghar—bamboo and straw huts where they feast and celebrate through the night. The next morning, the Meji is lit, and prayers are offered to ancestors for a prosperous year ahead.
Diponjittai, a local from Jorhat, explained the essence of the celebration, saying, “We prepare a variety of ethnic foods like Til Pitha, Ghila Pitha, and ladoos. It’s a time when family and friends gather to celebrate and express gratitude.”
In Bhakat Chapori, a cluster of villages in Majuli, over 700 families are engaged in preparing gur (molasses), a key ingredient in many Bihu treats. The demand for gur during this season has brought economic prosperity to the region. “We sell around Rs 20,000 worth of gur per day during Bihu, which significantly boosts our income,” said Deepak Hazarika, a local resident.
As the festivities reach their peak, Bhogali Bihu is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the unity, hard work, and rich cultural heritage of Assam. The festival highlights the enduring connection between the people, their land, and the traditions that bind them together.
Read More: BSF Cracks Down on Cross-Border Smuggling, Seizes Contraband Worth Over Rs 60 Lakh in Tripura