Bhogali Bihu celebrations on across state

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated across the state with traditional fervor and gaiety by old and young alike. Thursday morning saw people of all age groups gathering around the Mejis and throwing pithas and betal nuts while burning the Mejis after taking a bath. They also offered prayers to the Fire God marking the end of the harvesting year with community feasting on Uruka. Later the youngsters sought their elder’s blessings by touching their feet. Back home the womenfolk were busy preparing varieties of pithas and laroos with aroma filing the houses. Later with the Bhogali Jalpan making it to the platter it marked the beginning of days of feasting.  There are also reports of celebrations from across the state where people in their unique way celebrated the Bihu. Apart from the traditional feasting with variety of delicacies in the platter, many traditional Assamese games like tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking), buffalo fighting, egg fighting and cock fighting have been arranged in some areas in tune with the Bihu spirit.  Though price rise has to a certain extent cast its spell on the Bhogali Bihu celebrations in the state, yet people were seen coming out even on the Bhogali Bihu day for buying goodies and sweets from the markets.  The prevailing cold weather conditions failed to deter the Bhogali Bihu spirit as melodious sounds of dhol, taal and pepa are rendering the air with the young ones singing Bihu songs.  Seems the day of fun are here as spiraling price rise, chill weather does not deem the spirit of Bhogali Bihu celebrations as people are enjoying the ‘festival of food’ in full earnest.     Wishing you all a Happy Magh Bihu, enjoy!