Magh Bihu

Bihu is a major festival of Assam. Bihu is celebrated three times a year. Magh Bihu is celebrated in the month of Magh , Bohag Bihu in Vaishakh and Kati Bihu in Kartik. These festivals are celebrated in different months and the method of celebrating them is also different.

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu:-

Magh Bihu i.e. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated from the first day of Sankranti of Magh month. This Bihu has been named Bhogali because during this time eating good food is done with pomp. This festival is a special festival of eating delicious food in Assam. This happens after harvesting the crop . The night before Magh Bihu, called Uruka, is a very delicious night as families and relatives gather around a bonfire and eat together. Next day morning everyone wakes up and takes bath and prepares a table which is made by Bamboo and Wood in a special structure. This is the main day of Magh Bihu. All the family members and friends gather around the Meji and burn it and pray to the fire god for blessings. They wish for their family and social prosperity, and they pray to the deities for wealth, happiness, health and prosperity.

Dishes prepared on Magh Bihu:-

On the day of Magh Bihu the food is basically flat rice , puffed rice , bora saul , kumol saul (a form of native sticky rice) served with fresh cream or ghee . Curd and jaggery are shared with friends and family. Various types of pitha (dish which is made by rice) or rice cakes are a major part of Assamese cuisine.