Magh Bihu in Assam
With the arrival of winter in Assam, the rhythmic sound of Dheki (a traditional instrument used to make rice flour) is heard in every village. Everybody, especially female members, started preparing for the upcoming Magh Bihu festival. Characterised by merry-making and feasting, after the harvesting season, Magh Bihu is celebrated with lots of fun. This festival is also known as Bhogali Bihu or the festival of food, since food is abundant everywhere at that time.
This festival starts on the 14th of January. 1st day of the festival is known as Uruka – the night of a giant community feast. Generally, family and friends gather in the rice fields, light bonfires in the centre and make Bhelaghar (a small hut made with bamboo, leaves and thatch). People also create Maji – (a Stack of wood and bamboo made in a Pyramid shape). In the night, they prepare food in the Bhelaghar and burn the hut and the Maji the next morning.
Nowadays, every village creates artistic and beautiful Maji and exhibits it to the visitors for several days.
It is customary to prepare Maji in every household. The next morning, everyone wakes up early and sets fire to the Mejis and offers prayer and Prasad for the health and happiness of the family. Today, everyone takes some special food and different types of potatoes such as Laura Potato( Russet Burbank), Sweet potato etc. According to folklore, these help to prevent lots of diseases. Every household prepares different types of sweets known as Pithas made from coconut, sesame seed and rice flour. Some of them are coconut pitha, coconut ladoos, sesame seed ladoos, ghila pitha etc, to offer the guests.
Natives also prepare special sweet dishes (Jolpaan) made with Flattened rice, curd and jiggery known as Doi-Chira and eat on the occasion of Bihu. People visit neighbours’ and relatives’ homes and enjoy the Bihu in great spirit.
Buffalo fights and bird fights also take place in some villages.
When is Magh Bihu celebrated
Magh Bihu is celebrated on January 14 and 15. The traditional feast takes place on the night of January 14, on the day of Uruka. On the following morning, the Meji is lit to mark the celebration. Every member of the family joins in front of the Meji fire and blesses everyone for health and happiness.
Magh Bihu is the best season to visit Assam and enjoy cold winter. It is the best time to enjoy wildlife safaris in the national parks of Assam.
A village tour is the best way to witness the Magh Bihu celebration in Assam. If you are looking for an Assam Tour package and want to experience the Magh Bihu celebration in an ethnic village. Contact us at support@nexplore.org or check our Assam Tour packages here.
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