Assam: Elaborate preparations underway as celebrations for Bhogali Bihu kickstarts in state

As the winter harvest comes to a close, the vibrant state of Assam is abuzz with excitement and fervor for the much-anticipated Bhogali Bihu festival. This joyous occasion, also known as Magh Bihu, is a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage and marks the end of the harvesting season in the month of Magh, which corresponds to January-February.

Assam's Bajali is synonymous for its creamy yoghurt. With just few days left for Bhogali Bihu, shopkeepers, traders as well as farmers are preparing curd to be sold on the occasion of Bihu and enjoyed with the people as 'Bhogali feast'.

Bhogali Bihu is synonymous with feasting and merriment, a time when the people of Assam come together to celebrate the abundance of the harvest. The word 'Bhogali' is derived from 'Bhog', meaning enjoyment and eating, reflecting the essence of this festival as one of food and enjoyment. The festivities are characterized by the preparation of mouth-watering delicacies such as indigenous cakes called pithas, made from rice powder, coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery. These traditional treats are a staple during the celebrations, with markets across the state teeming with these and other festive foods like ladu and curd.

An integral part of the Bhogali Bihu celebration is the construction of bhela ghars, artistic structures built out of bamboo, banana leaves, and thatch. These temporary huts serve as communal spaces where people gather to eat, sing, and dance, embodying the spirit of community and togetherness. As dawn breaks on the first day of Magh, these bhela ghars are set ablaze in a symbolic gesture, honoring the god of fire through this ritual.

The festival is not just about feasting; it is also a time for socializing and showing respect to one another. People visit friends and relatives bearing food items and gifts, exchanging hand-woven scarves known as 'Gamucha' as a sign of honor and appreciation. The sense of unity and warmth during Bhogali Bihu extends beyond familial ties, enveloping the entire community in its festive embrace.

In 2023, the anticipation for Bhogali Bihu was particularly high as the state prepared to celebrate without the looming threat of COVID-19 disruptions that had previously marred the festivities. With the pandemic's impact waning, Assamese people eagerly resumed their traditional practices, including the lighting of lamps or saaki (candles) in various parts of the house, especially around the Tulsi plant in the courtyard, as observed during Kati Bihu.

The festival also sees places of worship like the Basistha Temple in Guwahati and Hayagriv Madhav Temple in Hajo hosting special rituals, drawing devotees from near and far. The Basistha temple organizes a Maghi Mela, while the Hayagriv Madhav temple celebrates with the Manikut Utsav, both adding a spiritual dimension to the celebrations.

Bhogali Bihu is a time when the cultural tapestry of Assam is on full display, with traditional buffalo and bulbul fights making a return after a nine-year ban, adding to the cultural richness of the festival. Despite the controversies surrounding these events, they remain a part of the traditional festivities associated with Magh Bihu.

As Assam gears up for Bhogali Bihu, the air is filled with the aroma of festive foods, the sound of Bihu folk songs, and the sight of colorful dances that capture the essence of the season. It is a festival that brings together the diverse communities of Assam, celebrating the agricultural bounty and cultural splendor of this northeastern jewel of India.

Also read: Assam Legislative Assembly’s budget session to begin on February 5