Assam celebrates Magh Bihu, keep age-old traditions alive by burning Mejis

Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is a popular festival in Assam. The burning of mejis, which are large structures made of bamboo and thatched with hay, is one of this festival's most famous customs.

Keeping the age-old customs and traditions alive, people across Assam offered prayers to the fire god by burning the meji on January 15 and offered gratitude to mother earth for its bountiful harvest.

People in Assam burn mejis to express their appreciation to the nature for a bountiful harvest. The celebration of Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvest season, and the burning of mejis signifies the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Before being set ablaze, the mejis are frequently stuffed with harvested crops like rice and other grains.
Farmers use this ritual to express gratitude to the gods for a fruitful harvest and to pray for continued prosperity in the upcoming year.

Burning mejis has deep cultural and historical roots in Assam in addition to its agricultural significance. It is believed that the ancient Assamese practice of burning huts during the harvest festival is where the practice got its start. This was done to signify the beginning of a new year and the end of the previous one. Mejis, which are larger and more elaborate structures than traditional huts, are now burned as part of the custom.

The community aspect of burning mejis is another important aspect. Mejis are frequently built by village members working together to gather materials and construct the structures. Similarly, the burning of the mejis is a community event in which people sing and dance around the structure as it is burned.

In Assam, burning mejis on Magh Bihu is a significant cultural, historical, and agricultural tradition. It is a way for people to come together as a community, celebrate the end of an old agricultural cycle and the beginning of a new one, and express gratitude for a plentiful harvest. People are finding ways to make the tradition more sustainable, despite concerns about its impact on the environment.

Also read : PM Modi extends Magh Bihu greetings, ask nation to strengthen bond with nature