Bhogali

Bhogali, commonly referred to as Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu, is a major harvest festival of the Assamese people in the Indian state of Assam. It marks the end of the harvest season and the return of longer days after winter, typically celebrated in January. The festival is one of the三个 Bihu celebrations that reflect the agrarian calendar of the region.

The name Bhogali is derived from the word bhoga, meaning enjoyment or feast, reflecting its emphasis on communal eating and festivity. Bhogali Bihu is traditionally observed after the harvest of winter crops, and the celebrations symbolize gratitude for agricultural abundance and communal harmony.

Celebrations and practices center on community gatherings and feasting. On the eve, known in many places as Uruka, people visit relatives and friends, prepare festive foods, and light small fires. The following day centers on large bonfires called Meji, which are built in villages and rural spaces. People gather around these bonfires to sing, dance, and share meals, while prayers and rituals accompany the celebrations. Traditional foods prepared for Bhogali Bihu include various pithas, rice cakes, and sweets such as larus and sesame-based delicacies, often made with coconut, jaggery, and peanuts. In some communities, other regional foods and games complement the festivities.

While most strongly associated with Assam, Bhogali Bihu is observed by Assamese communities across the northeastern region and in diaspora communities around the world, reflecting the cultural significance of harvest and seasonal renewal.