Question

Which harvest festival of Assam is celebrated with community feasts and bonfires in January?

• A. Rongali Bihu
• B. Kongali Bihu
• C. Bhogali Bihu
• D. Kati Bihu

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Bhogali Bihu

• Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is a prominent harvest festival celebrated in Assam during the month of Magh (mid-January).
• The name 'Bhogali' is derived from the word 'Bhog', which means enjoyment or eating, signifying the abundance of harvest.
• The festival marks the end of the harvesting season and the conclusion of the winter solstice.
• A central feature of the celebration is the construction of Meji and Bhelaghar.
  • Meji: A tall, conical structure made of thatch, wood, and bamboo, which is set ablaze on the morning of the festival.
  • Bhelaghar: Temporary huts constructed by villagers where they stay the night, cook communal meals, and feast.
• The festival emphasizes community bonding, featuring traditional sports like Tekeli Bhonga (pot breaking), buffalo fighting, and cockfighting in rural areas.
• This is one of the three major Bihu festivals in Assam; the others are Rongali Bihu (marking the Assamese New Year) and Kongali Bihu (the festival of scarcity).
• Culinary traditions involve preparing traditional rice cakes known as Pitha (such as Til Pitha) and Laru (sweets made of coconut or sesame).