Magh Bihu - Revision history

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			{{Short description\|Harvest festival in Assam, India}}
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	\|date2018 = 14 January <ref>http://www.festivalsdatetime.co.in/2016/05/2018-magh-bihu-bhogali-bihu-maghar-domahi-date-time-in-india.html#axzz525zy44HS</ref>		\|date2018 = 14 January <ref>http://www.festivalsdatetime.co.in/2016/05/2018-magh-bihu-bhogali-bihu-maghar-domahi-date-time-in-india.html#axzz525zy44HS {{Bare URL inline\|date=May 2022}}</ref>
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	'''Magh Bihu''' (মাঘ বিহু) (also called '''Bhogali Bihu''' (ভোগালী বিহু) (of eating Bhog i.e. enjoyment) or '''Maghar Domahi''' (মাঘৰ দোমাহী) is a [[harvest festival]] celebrated in [[Assam]], North-East [[India]], which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Magh.(January–February).<ref>{{cite news \|title=Celebrating Nature's Bounty - Magh Bihu \|url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html \|work=EF News International \|access-date=14 January 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117010132/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html \|archive-date=2012-01-17 }}</ref> A bonfire (Meji) is lit for the ceremonial conclusion and prayer to the God of Fire.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Fairs & Festivals Of India \|last=Sharma \|first=S. P. \|author2=Seema Gupta \|year=2006 \|publisher=[[Pustak Mahal]] \|isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 \|page=25 }}</ref> The festival is developed by the Tibeto-Burman~~, Austroasiatic~~ and Indo-aryan cultures and festivals ''Magan'' of [[Bodo-Kachari people\|Kachari]].<ref~~>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}<~~/~~ref~~>		'''Magh Bihu''' (মাঘ বিহু) (also called '''Bhogali Bihu''' (ভোগালী বিহু) (of eating Bhog i.e. enjoyment) or '''Maghar Domahi''' (মাঘৰ দোমাহী) is a [[harvest festival]] celebrated in [[Assam]], North-East [[India]], which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Magh (January–February).<ref>{{cite news \|title=Celebrating Nature's Bounty - Magh Bihu \|url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html \|work=EF News International \|access-date=14 January 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117010132/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html \|archive-date=2012-01-17 }}</ref> A bonfire (Meji) is lit for the ceremonial conclusion and prayer to the God of Fire.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Fairs & Festivals Of India \|last=Sharma \|first=S. P. \|author2=Seema Gupta \|year=2006 \|publisher=[[Pustak Mahal]] \|isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 \|page=25 }}</ref> The festival is developed by the Tibeto-Burman and Indo-aryan cultures and festivals ''Magan'' of [[Bodo-Kachari people\|Kachari]].<ref name="Goswami95" />

	==Overview (~~Ritual's~~)==		==Overview (Rituals)==

	The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires.<ref>{{cite book \|title=The New Encyclopædia Britannica \|year=1987 \|work=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] \|isbn=978-0-85229-571-7 \|volume=21 \|page=[https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 137] \|url-access=registration \|url=https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 }}</ref> Young people erect makeshift huts, known as ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'', from bamboo, leaves and thatch, and in ''Bhelaghar'' they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Bihu being celebrated with joy across Assam \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204202109/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=4 February 2005 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|date=14 January 2005 \|access-date=2009-05-02 }}</ref> The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as [[List of ancient games of Assam\|tekeli bhonga]] (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Bonfire, feast & lots more - Jorhat celebrations promise traditional joy this Magh Bihu \|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp \|work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)\|The Telegraph]] \|date=12 January 2008 \|access-date=2009-05-02 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615132816/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp \|archive-date=15 June 2009 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>		The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires.<ref>{{cite book \|title=The New Encyclopædia Britannica \|year=1987 \|work=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] \|isbn=978-0-85229-571-7 \|volume=21 \|page=[https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 137] \|url-access=registration \|url=https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 }}</ref> Young people erect makeshift huts, known as ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'', from bamboo, leaves and thatch, and in ''Bhelaghar'' they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Bihu being celebrated with joy across Assam \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204202109/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=4 February 2005 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|date=14 January 2005 \|access-date=2009-05-02 }}</ref> The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as [[List of ancient games of Assam\|tekeli bhonga]] (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Bonfire, feast & lots more - Jorhat celebrations promise traditional joy this Magh Bihu \|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp \|work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)\|The Telegraph]] \|date=12 January 2008 \|access-date=2009-05-02 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615132816/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp \|archive-date=15 June 2009 \|url-status=dead }}</ref>
	Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh is 14 January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu).<ref>\|url= http://www.markinkalpataru.org/MK/assamese_date/assamese_cal.php \|</ref> The night before is "Uruka" (28th of Pooh), when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner, and make merry.		Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh is 14 January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu).<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.markinkalpataru.org/MK/assamese_date/assamese_cal.php \|title=Assamese calendar}}</ref><!-- Unclear which of the content this source verifies --> The night before is "Uruka" (28th of Pooh), when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner, and make merry.

	During Magh Bihu, people of [[Assam]] make rice cakes with various names such as [[Sunga Pitha]], Til Pitha etc. and some other sweets of coconut called Laru.		During Magh Bihu, people of [[Assam]] make rice cakes with various names such as [[Sunga Pitha]], Til Pitha etc. and some other sweets of coconut called Laru.

	==Uruka or Bihu Eve (Beginning)==		==Uruka or Bihu Eve (Beginning)==
	The first day of Magh Bihu is known as Uruka or the Bihu Eve.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref> The word ''Uruka'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Urukuwa'' which means "to end", signifying the end of the harvesting season as well the [[Pausha]] month.<ref>Deori, Kishor.K. ''Chupere-mago''. 1997, p. 46.</ref> On this day, women folk get ready for the next day with food items like- Chira, Pitha, Laru, Curd. A feast is organised at night known as ''Bhuj'' (derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhojana"). Various indigenous communities prepare their rice beers usually undistilled like Chuji by [[~~Chutiya~~ people\|~~Chutiyas~~]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Zou by [[Bodo people\|Bodos]], Aapong by [[Mising people\|Missing]] Tribe. Uruka feasting may be a family affair or communal. After the feasting, the Uruka is over.<ref~~>{{cite book \|last1~~=~~Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https:/~~/~~books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref~~> Hut-like structures called ''Bhelaghar'' are also built in the fields where people stay during the night.<ref~~>{{cite book \|last1~~=~~Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https:/~~/~~books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref~~> More often village youth pass the night in the Bhelaghars warming themselves by the fire and making use of the vegetables that they steal from the backyards of villagers which is considered a tradition.<ref~~>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}<~~/~~ref~~>		{{redirect\|Uruka\|the Japanese dish\|Shiokara}}
			The first day of Magh Bihu is known as Uruka or the Bihu Eve.<ref name="Goswami95">{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref> The word ''Uruka'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Urukuwa'' which means "to end", signifying the end of the harvesting season as well the [[Pausha]] month.<ref>Deori, Kishor.K. ''Chupere-mago''. 1997, p. 46.</ref> On this day, women folk get ready for the next day with food items like- Chira, Pitha, Laru, Curd. A feast is organised at night known as ''Bhuj'' (derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhojana"). Various indigenous communities prepare their rice beers usually undistilled like Chuji by [[Chutia people\|Chutias]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Zou by [[Bodo people\|Bodos]], Aapong by [[Mising people\|Missing]] Tribe. Uruka feasting may be a family affair or communal. After the feasting, the Uruka is over.<ref name="Goswami95" /> Hut-like structures called ''Bhelaghar'' are also built in the fields where people stay during the night.<ref name="Goswami95" /> More often village youth pass the night in the Bhelaghars warming themselves by the fire and making use of the vegetables that they steal from the backyards of villagers which is considered a tradition.<ref name="Goswami95" />

	== Day of Magh Bihu (celebration)==		== Day of Magh Bihu (celebration)==

	The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the fields and people pray to their ancestral gods for blessings.<ref~~>{{cite book \|last1~~=~~Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https:/~~/~~books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref~~><ref>Ranjit, Gogoi,. Cultural Heritage of Assam. Janasanyog, Assam, 2008.</ref> The word ''Meji'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Midi-ye-ji'' where "Midi" denotes "Ancestral gods", "Ye" means "Fire" and "Ji" means "Fly away", signifying the worship of ancestral spirits which fly away with the fire.<ref>Brown, W.''An outline grammar of the Deori Chutia language'' . 1895, p.73 .</ref> The bonfires are usually made with fireword, green bamboo, hay and dried Banana leaves. People take bath before setting up the bonfire, as a tradition. The ritual of ''Meji Jwaluwa'' (Firing the Meji) is very enjoyable. Worshipping the ''Bhoral'' and ''Meji'' is done by offering [[Chicken]], Rice cakes, Rice beers, Chira, Pitha, Akhoi, Horoom, Curd, and other eatables.		The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the fields and people pray to their ancestral gods for blessings.<ref name="Goswami95" /><ref>Ranjit, Gogoi,. Cultural Heritage of Assam. Janasanyog, Assam, 2008.</ref> The word ''Meji'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Midi-ye-ji'' where "Midi" denotes "Ancestral gods", "Ye" means "Fire" and "Ji" means "Fly away", signifying the worship of ancestral spirits which fly away with the fire.<ref>Brown, W.''An outline grammar of the Deori Chutia language'' . 1895, p.73 .</ref> The bonfires are usually made with fireword, green bamboo, hay and dried Banana leaves. People take bath before setting up the bonfire, as a tradition. The ritual of ''Meji Jwaluwa'' (Firing the Meji) is very enjoyable. Worshipping the ''Bhoral'' and ''Meji'' is done by offering [[Chicken]], Rice cakes, Rice beers, Chira, Pitha, Akhoi, Horoom, Curd, and other eatables.
	At the end, the Bhelaghar is also burned and people consume a special preparation known as ''Mah-Karai'',<ref~~>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}<~~/~~ref~~> which is a roasted mixture of [[rice]], [[black gram]]. In the breakfast and lunch, people consume various traditional dishes like various [[Fish]], [[Chicken]], [[Pork]], [[Duck meat\|Duck]], [[Mutton]] curries along with [[Rice]] and [[Beer\|Rice Beer]]. The ashes of the bonfire ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'' are used in the trees and crops to increase the fertility of the gardens or fields.<ref~~>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}<~~/~~ref~~>		At the end, the Bhelaghar is also burned and people consume a special preparation known as ''Mah-Karai'',<ref name="Goswami95" /> which is a roasted mixture of [[rice]], [[black gram]]. In the breakfast and lunch, people consume various traditional dishes like various [[Fish]], [[Chicken]], [[Pork]], [[Duck meat\|Duck]], [[Mutton]] curries along with [[Rice]] and [[Beer\|Rice Beer]]. The ashes of the bonfire ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'' are used in the trees and crops to increase the fertility of the gardens or fields.<ref name="Goswami95" />

	==Related Festivals==		==Related Festivals==
	Along with the main ''Me-Ji'' and ''[[Sangken]]'', there are many related festivals can be seen [[Assam]] and [[Arunachal]]. The Kacharis (a part of the indigenous Assamese community) have similar customs. On the seventh day of Magh Bihu they clean utensils and sacrifice fowls to Bathou, their God and go out carol singing, collecting foods. They set up Bhelaghars and burn them in the morning.<ref~~>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}<~~/~~ref~~>		Along with the main ''Me-Ji'' and ''[[Sangken]]'', there are many related festivals can be seen [[Assam]] and [[Arunachal]]. The Kacharis (a part of the indigenous Assamese community) have similar customs. On the seventh day of Magh Bihu they clean utensils and sacrifice fowls to Bathou, their God and go out carol singing, collecting foods. They set up Bhelaghars and burn them in the morning.<ref name="Goswami95" />
	In the Full moon day of Magh month, the [[Khamti people]] observe a similar Bonfire tradition related to Buddha. Given the fact that no other Tai group follows such ritual, it can be concluded it would be better that the Khamtis merely adopted the ritual from the locals in the 18th century which was later developed into a Buddhist rite, similar to the Kechai-khati worship organised on the same day.<ref>[http://taikhamtinamsai.blogspot.com/2013/08/rituals-and-festivals.html?m=1 Worship of Kechai-khati which takes place on the same day by Khamtis]</ref>		In the Full moon day of Magh month, the [[Khamti people]] observe a similar Bonfire tradition related to Buddha. Given the fact that no other Tai group follows such ritual, it can be concluded it would be better that the Khamtis merely adopted the ritual from the locals in the 18th century which was later developed into a Buddhist rite, similar to the Kechai-khati worship organised on the same day.<ref>[http://taikhamtinamsai.blogspot.com/2013/08/rituals-and-festivals.html?m=1 Worship of Kechai-khati which takes place on the same day by Khamtis]</ref>

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← Older revision		Revision as of 19:16, 4 October 2021
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	==Uruka or Bihu Eve (Beginning)==		==Uruka or Bihu Eve (Beginning)==
	The first day of Magh Bihu is known as Uruka or the Bihu Eve.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam~~&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB~~ }}</ref> The word ''Uruka'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Urukuwa'' which means "to end", signifying the end of the harvesting season as well the [[Pausha]] month.<ref>Deori, Kishor.K. ''Chupere-mago''. 1997, p. 46.</ref> On this day, women folk get ready for the next day with food items like- Chira, Pitha, Laru, Curd. A feast is organised at night known as ''Bhuj'' (derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhojana"). Various indigenous communities prepare their rice beers usually undistilled like Chuji by [[Chutiya people\|Chutiyas]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Zou by [[Bodo people\|Bodos]], Aapong by [[Mising people\|Missing]] Tribe. Uruka feasting may be a family affair or communal. After the feasting, the Uruka is over.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam~~&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB~~ }}</ref> Hut-like structures called ''Bhelaghar'' are also built in the fields where people stay during the night.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam~~&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB~~ }}</ref> More often village youth pass the night in the Bhelaghars warming themselves by the fire and making use of the vegetables that they steal from the backyards of villagers which is considered a tradition.<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref>		The first day of Magh Bihu is known as Uruka or the Bihu Eve.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref> The word ''Uruka'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Urukuwa'' which means "to end", signifying the end of the harvesting season as well the [[Pausha]] month.<ref>Deori, Kishor.K. ''Chupere-mago''. 1997, p. 46.</ref> On this day, women folk get ready for the next day with food items like- Chira, Pitha, Laru, Curd. A feast is organised at night known as ''Bhuj'' (derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhojana"). Various indigenous communities prepare their rice beers usually undistilled like Chuji by [[Chutiya people\|Chutiyas]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Zou by [[Bodo people\|Bodos]], Aapong by [[Mising people\|Missing]] Tribe. Uruka feasting may be a family affair or communal. After the feasting, the Uruka is over.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref> Hut-like structures called ''Bhelaghar'' are also built in the fields where people stay during the night.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref> More often village youth pass the night in the Bhelaghars warming themselves by the fire and making use of the vegetables that they steal from the backyards of villagers which is considered a tradition.<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref>

	== Day of Magh Bihu (celebration)==		== Day of Magh Bihu (celebration)==

	The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the fields and people pray to their ancestral gods for blessings.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam~~&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB~~ }}</ref><ref>Ranjit, Gogoi,. Cultural Heritage of Assam. Janasanyog, Assam, 2008.</ref> The word ''Meji'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Midi-ye-ji'' where "Midi" denotes "Ancestral gods", "Ye" means "Fire" and "Ji" means "Fly away", signifying the worship of ancestral spirits which fly away with the fire.<ref>Brown, W.''An outline grammar of the Deori Chutia language'' . 1895, p.73 .</ref> The bonfires are usually made with fireword, green bamboo, hay and dried Banana leaves. People take bath before setting up the bonfire, as a tradition. The ritual of ''Meji Jwaluwa'' (Firing the Meji) is very enjoyable. Worshipping the ''Bhoral'' and ''Meji'' is done by offering [[Chicken]], Rice cakes, Rice beers, Chira, Pitha, Akhoi, Horoom, Curd, and other eatables.		The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the fields and people pray to their ancestral gods for blessings.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Goswami \|first1=Praphulladatta \|title=Festivals of Assam \|year=1995 \|publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam }}</ref><ref>Ranjit, Gogoi,. Cultural Heritage of Assam. Janasanyog, Assam, 2008.</ref> The word ''Meji'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language\|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Midi-ye-ji'' where "Midi" denotes "Ancestral gods", "Ye" means "Fire" and "Ji" means "Fly away", signifying the worship of ancestral spirits which fly away with the fire.<ref>Brown, W.''An outline grammar of the Deori Chutia language'' . 1895, p.73 .</ref> The bonfires are usually made with fireword, green bamboo, hay and dried Banana leaves. People take bath before setting up the bonfire, as a tradition. The ritual of ''Meji Jwaluwa'' (Firing the Meji) is very enjoyable. Worshipping the ''Bhoral'' and ''Meji'' is done by offering [[Chicken]], Rice cakes, Rice beers, Chira, Pitha, Akhoi, Horoom, Curd, and other eatables.
	At the end, the Bhelaghar is also burned and people consume a special preparation known as ''Mah-Karai'',<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref> which is a roasted mixture of [[rice]], [[black gram]]. In the breakfast and lunch, people consume various traditional dishes like various [[Fish]], [[Chicken]], [[Pork]], [[Duck meat\|Duck]], [[Mutton]] curries along with [[Rice]] and [[Beer\|Rice Beer]]. The ashes of the bonfire ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'' are used in the trees and crops to increase the fertility of the gardens or fields.<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref>		At the end, the Bhelaghar is also burned and people consume a special preparation known as ''Mah-Karai'',<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref> which is a roasted mixture of [[rice]], [[black gram]]. In the breakfast and lunch, people consume various traditional dishes like various [[Fish]], [[Chicken]], [[Pork]], [[Duck meat\|Duck]], [[Mutton]] curries along with [[Rice]] and [[Beer\|Rice Beer]]. The ashes of the bonfire ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'' are used in the trees and crops to increase the fertility of the gardens or fields.<ref>{{harvcol\|Goswami\|1995}}</ref>

2409:4065:E81:7260:4ABB:B0D6:8BC3:ED82 at 15:16, 2 July 2021

2021-07-02T15:16:03Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Magh Bihu
|type = Harvesting Festival
|image = Poy Me-Ji.jpg
|imagesize =
|caption =
|official_name = Bhogali Bihu
|nickname =Magh Bihu
|observedby = [[Assamese people|People of Assam and other North eastern states]]
|litcolor =
|longtype =
|significance =
|begins = 14 January
|ends = 15 January
|date = 14 and 15 January
|scheduling = 
|duration = 2 days
|frequency = Annual
|week_ordinal = 
|weekday = 
|month = 

|date2018 = 
|date2019 = 
|date2020 = 
|date2021 = 
|celebrations = MeJi, Bhela Ghor
|observances =
|relatedto = Harvesting
}}
{{Infobox festival
|image = Buffalo fight.jpg
|caption = A Buffalo fight held at Ranthali, in Nagaon District of Assam, on the occasion of Magh Bihu
|official_name =
|nickname =

|celebrations =
}}

'''Magh Bihu''' (মাঘ বিহু) (also called '''Bhogali Bihu''' (ভোগালী বিহু) (of eating Bhog i.e. enjoyment) or '''Maghar Domahi''' (মাঘৰ দোমাহী) is a [[harvest festival]] celebrated in [[Assam]], North-East [[India]], which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Magh.(January–February).<ref>{{cite news |title=Celebrating Nature's Bounty - Magh Bihu |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html |work=EF News International |access-date=14 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117010132/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html |archive-date=2012-01-17 }}</ref> A bonfire (Meji) is lit for the ceremonial conclusion and prayer to the God of Fire.<ref>{{cite book |title=Fairs & Festivals Of India |last=Sharma |first=S. P. |author2=Seema Gupta |year=2006 |publisher=[[Pustak Mahal]] |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |page=25 }}</ref> The festival is developed by the Tibeto-Burman, Austroasiatic and Indo-aryan cultures and festivals ''Magan'' of [[Bodo-Kachari people|Kachari]].<ref>{{harvcol|Goswami|1995}}</ref>

==Overview (Ritual's)==

The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires.<ref>{{cite book |title=The New Encyclopædia Britannica |year=1987 |work=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |isbn=978-0-85229-571-7 |volume=21 |page=[https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 137] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 }}</ref> Young people erect makeshift huts, known as ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'', from bamboo, leaves and thatch, and in ''Bhelaghar'' they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bihu being celebrated with joy across Assam |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204202109/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 February 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 January 2005 |access-date=2009-05-02 }}</ref> The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as [[List of ancient games of Assam|tekeli bhonga]] (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bonfire, feast & lots more - Jorhat celebrations promise traditional joy this Magh Bihu |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp |work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |date=12 January 2008 |access-date=2009-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615132816/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp |archive-date=15 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh is 14 January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu).<ref>|url= http://www.markinkalpataru.org/MK/assamese_date/assamese_cal.php |</ref> The night before is "Uruka" (28th of Pooh), when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner, and make merry.

During Magh Bihu, people of [[Assam]] make rice cakes with various names such as [[Sunga Pitha]], Til Pitha etc. and some other sweets of coconut called Laru.

==Uruka or Bihu Eve (Beginning)==
The first day of Magh Bihu is known as Uruka or the Bihu Eve.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goswami |first1=Praphulladatta |title=Festivals of Assam |publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB }}</ref> The word ''Uruka'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Urukuwa'' which means "to end", signifying the end of the harvesting season as well the [[Pausha]] month.<ref>Deori, Kishor.K. ''Chupere-mago''. 1997, p. 46.</ref> On this day, women folk get ready for the next day with food items like- Chira, Pitha, Laru, Curd. A feast is organised at night known as ''Bhuj'' (derived from the Sanskrit word "Bhojana"). Various indigenous communities prepare their rice beers usually undistilled like Chuji by [[Chutiya people|Chutiyas]], Nam-Lao by [[Tai-Ahom]], Zou by [[Bodo people|Bodos]], Aapong by [[Mising people|Missing]] Tribe. Uruka feasting may be a family affair or communal. After the feasting, the Uruka is over.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goswami |first1=Praphulladatta |title=Festivals of Assam |publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB }}</ref> Hut-like structures called ''Bhelaghar'' are also built in the fields where people stay during the night.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goswami |first1=Praphulladatta |title=Festivals of Assam |publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB }}</ref> More often village youth pass the night in the Bhelaghars warming themselves by the fire and making use of the vegetables that they steal from the backyards of villagers which is considered a tradition.<ref>{{harvcol|Goswami|1995}}</ref>

== Day of Magh Bihu (celebration)==

The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the fields and people pray to their ancestral gods for blessings.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goswami |first1=Praphulladatta |title=Festivals of Assam |publisher=Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture,1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Festival+of+assam&dq=Festival+of+assam&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDl9DY4YPgAhXBdH0KHUg_A4IQ6AEILzAB }}</ref><ref>Ranjit, Gogoi,. Cultural Heritage of Assam. Janasanyog, Assam, 2008.</ref> The word ''Meji'' is originally derived from the [[Deori language|Deori-Chutia]] word ''Midi-ye-ji'' where "Midi" denotes "Ancestral gods", "Ye" means "Fire" and "Ji" means "Fly away", signifying the worship of ancestral spirits which fly away with the fire.<ref>Brown, W.''An outline grammar of the Deori Chutia language'' . 1895, p.73 .</ref> The bonfires are usually made with fireword, green bamboo, hay and dried Banana leaves. People take bath before setting up the bonfire, as a tradition. The ritual of ''Meji Jwaluwa'' (Firing the Meji) is very enjoyable. Worshipping the ''Bhoral'' and ''Meji'' is done by offering [[Chicken]], Rice cakes, Rice beers, Chira, Pitha, Akhoi, Horoom, Curd, and other eatables.
At the end, the Bhelaghar is also burned and people consume a special preparation known as ''Mah-Karai'',<ref>{{harvcol|Goswami|1995}}</ref> which is a roasted mixture of [[rice]], [[black gram]]. In the breakfast and lunch, people consume various traditional dishes like various [[Fish]], [[Chicken]], [[Pork]], [[Duck meat|Duck]], [[Mutton]] curries along with [[Rice]] and [[Beer|Rice Beer]]. The ashes of the bonfire ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'' are used in the trees and crops to increase the fertility of the gardens or fields.<ref>{{harvcol|Goswami|1995}}</ref>

==Related Festivals==
Along with the main ''Me-Ji'' and ''[[Sangken]]'', there are many related festivals can be seen [[Assam]] and [[Arunachal]]. The Kacharis (a part of the indigenous Assamese community) have similar customs. On the seventh day of Magh Bihu they clean utensils and sacrifice fowls to Bathou, their God and go out carol singing, collecting foods. They set up Bhelaghars and burn them in the morning.<ref>{{harvcol|Goswami|1995}}</ref>
In the Full moon day of Magh month, the [[Khamti people]] observe a similar Bonfire tradition related to Buddha. Given the fact that no other Tai group follows such ritual, it can be concluded it would be better that the Khamtis merely adopted the ritual from the locals in the 18th century which was later developed into a Buddhist rite, similar to the Kechai-khati worship organised on the same day.<ref>[http://taikhamtinamsai.blogspot.com/2013/08/rituals-and-festivals.html?m=1 Worship of Kechai-khati which takes place on the same day by Khamtis]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Fairs and Festivals in Assam}}

==External links==
*[http://www.atzassam.com/magh-bihu-2018-assamese-wishing-message-facebook-status/ Magh Bihu Wishing Message and Status]

[[Category:Festivals in Assam]]
[[Category:Harvest festivals in India]]
[[Category:January observances]]
[[Category:February observances]]
[[Category:Traditions involving fire]]