Assambcelebrated the annual harvest festival Magh Bihu with great traditional fervour on Tuesday as people burnt traditional Meji (bonfire) in the morning. The bonfires are usually made with firewood, green bamboo, hay, and dried banana leaves. On the occasion, young people take blessings (Ashirbad) from elders, reinforcing bonds of respect and love within families. Across the state, traditional sports such as buffalo fights, cockfights, egg-breaking competitions, and Tekeli Bhanga (breaking of pots) are also held.
People prepare a variety of mouthwatering delicacies made from rice, including pithas, laddoos, and a host of other traditional dishes, which are served generously to friends and family to celebrate the occasion.Speaking to media persons, Nripen Rajkhowa, a resident of Jorhat, said, “Around 70 per cent of Assamese people were traditionally farmers. As Magh Bihu is a harvest festival, we are all celebrating it together today.”