From the archive record
Local Assamese man selling a pork dish at Bhogali Bihu fair in Guwahati. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in mid of January, on the first day of 'Magh' month of Assamese Calendar. 'Bhogali' means handiness of rich food. So Bhogali Bihu represents a festival of food. And because it is celebrated in the month of 'Magh', it is also known as 'Magh' Bihu. Like other two Bihu, this is also related to harvesting. Bhogali bihu is celebrated at a time when all the cultivation works get over and everyone has plenty to eat and enjoy. The celebrations of Bhogali bihu starts one day before the actual day, i.e., on the last day of the month 'Puh'. On this eve, people build 'Meji', a structure made of wood or tree leaves, that is to be burnt on the actual Bihu day. This Meji is guarded whole day night by all t