Meji fire symbolises hope and purity, not destruction: Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Congress over Bihu controversy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, January 14 slammed Congress, accusing the party of disrespecting Assamese culture and distorting the spiritual significance of Magh Bihu by linking it to acts of violence. 

 

Terming the controversy surrounding the Meji fire as “deeply unfortunate,” the Chief Minister said the traditional ritual symbolises purification, hope, and the removal of inauspiciousness—not destruction.

 

Speaking strongly in defence of Assamese customs, Sarma said Bihu, the most revered festival of the Assamese people, has never stood for hatred or harm. “The Meji is lit to cleanse negativity and darkness. It is meant to wash away sorrow and bring light, prosperity, and well-being into every household,” he said.

 

The Chief Minister asserted that the ritual has a deeply positive connotation across all three Bihus—Bohag, Magh, and Kati—where fire is viewed as a symbol of renewal and spiritual illumination. “Assamese people have never used the occasion of Bihu to harm anyone. Burning a Meji is not the same as burning someone’s house, office, or building. That reflects a mentality of violence and hatred, which has no place in Bihu,” he said.

 

Sarma taking a dig at Congress over a social media post that allegedly showed the burning of Vajpayee Bhawan, accusing the party of deliberately misrepresenting the cultural meaning of the festival. “The purpose of Meji’s fire is constructive, not destructive. It is the fire of light that destroys darkness. Unfortunately, Congress does not understand this,” he remarked.

 

Further intensifying his attack, the Chief Minister claimed that the Congress has lost its connection with Assamese language, culture, and traditions. “A party that has no understanding of Assamese identity cannot respect its festivals. That is why such insensitive imagery is being circulated,” he said.

 

Notably, Sarma said that no official action would be taken over the incident, asserting that public awareness itself would serve as the strongest response. “The people of Assam understand the true essence of Magh Bihu. They know what Meji stands for,” he said.

 

Reiterating the cultural and spiritual ethos of the festival, the Chief Minister concluded by stating that the Meji fire is lit with prayers that sorrow be erased, homes be illuminated, and harmony prevail across society—values he said remain central to Assamese life.