Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is the Assamese harvest festival celebrated in the month of Magh (January). Magh Bihu 2023 date is January 15. In Assamese, ‘Bhogali’ means ‘feasting,’ and this two-day celebration is devoted to Lord Agni, the Hindu god of fire. On January 14, 2023, Uruka will mark the beginning of the Bhogali Bihu celebration.
On the first day of the Bhogali Bihu celebration, also known as Uruka, young men construct’mejis’ or ‘bhelaghars’ out of bamboo and wood on fields or in open areas. On Uruka night, a community feast is conducted that includes fish delicacies.
Magh Bihu Date 2023
January 15, 2023, Sunday
What is Uruka?
Uruka is the night preceding the celebration day. On the 28th day of Pooh, the people of Assam enjoy cooking merriment and gathering at night to enjoy a bonfire. The month of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is filled with celebrations and merriment. As the granaries of Assam are bursting at the seams this month, people prefer to feast a great deal.
Men from Assam construct Bhelaghar, a temporary home by a river. Additionally, they must create Meji. On the evening of Uruka, people prepare festive foods and organize community feasts. To celebrate the holiday, they exchange festive treats and greetings. They celebrate by performing Bihu music and songs. Assamese people also utilize Dhols and engage in a variety of activities. The boys enjoy the evening by stealing firewood and vegetables.
Magh Bihu Rituals
- On Magh Bihu, everyone bathes early in the morning, offers prayers to Lord Sun, and gathers to light the bhelaghars on fire.
- In addition, they offer prasad, ghee, and pithas to the burning meji or bhela ghars.
- The destruction of the Meji represents the victory of light over darkness. As soon as the bhelaghars have been reduced to ashes, the ashes are collected and combined with the fertilizer.
- It is believed that this will make the fields more productive, resulting in a plentiful harvest.
- The entire day is spent visiting each other’s homes and feasting. Magh Bihu is known as Bhogali because it is a time for Assamese people to rejoice (bhog kora) and a celebration of nature’s bounty.
Assamese Foods During Magh Bihu
Magh Bihu is celebrated on the first day of the Assamese month of Magh. On Magh Bihu day, individuals pay a visit to their relatives and eat Assamese foods such as pithas (sweet rice cakes), chira (rice flakes), chunga pitha (rice cake in bamboo tubes), and various other delicacies.
Importance of Magh Bihu
Assam, located in the northeastern region of India, is the gateway to a beautiful natural environment. Magh Bihu is one of the most favorable periods to visit Assam. With the best inbound travel companies in India, you may arrange a festival tour to Assam. All Assamese people celebrate Magh Bihu with great fervor and enthusiasm, which reinforces their sense of belonging. Assam’s Magh Bihu festival tour is among the top festival excursions.
FAQs
1. What is the Speciality of Magh Bihu?
Ans – People lighted bonfires or Meji and made prayers to the gods on the morning of Bihu. At night, everyone prepares delectable meals and spends the entire evening singing and dancing around the campfire. The following day, Magh Bihu is observed. People take early morning showers and burn off the Meji.
2. What is the night before Magh Bihu called?
Ans – The night before, on “Uruka” (the 28th of Pooh), people gather around a bonfire, prepare meals, and celebrate. During Magh Bihu, the people of Assam prepare rice cakes with a variety of names, such as Sunga Pitha, Til Pitha, etc., as well as Laru, a coconut-based confection.
3. Who is the God of Bihu?
Ans – Bihu is celebrated on the first day of the Magh month, according to Bengali Panjika. Magh Bihu is the Sankranti celebration in Assam, and the festivities last a week. The Magh Bihu celebration is devoted to Agni, the Lord of Fire. In contrast, the rest of India celebrates Sankranti in honor of Surya, the Sun God.
4. What is the Bihu dance called?
Ans – The Bihu dance derives its name from the Bohag Bihu festival (also known as Rangali Bihu), the Assamese New Year’s celebration and national festival. The celebration is held in the middle of April, and the Bihu dance is intended to honor and replicate the seasonal spirit, which celebrates fertility and ardor.
