From the archive record
A woman prepares 'Pitha' (rice cake) a traditional Assamese cake on the eve of 'Bhogali Bihu' to mark the end of the winter harvesting festival, at Guwahati, Assam. The rice flour is used to make a batter that is cooked on a small pan. The cooked batter is then rolled up and various fillings are added. In Assam, pitha is a special class of rice preparation generally made only on special occasions like Bihu. Assamese pithas are often made from bora saul, a special kind of glutinous rice, or xaali saul, or sun-dried rice. 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.