|
The Magh or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in mid-January on the last day
of the month of poush and the first day of magh during which the harvest
is gathered.
On the Uruka day, i.e. the evening preceding the actual bihu
day, young men build a temporary shelter in the open, collect firewood,
often by stealing, which is permissible on this occasion, for a bonfire.
A non-vegetarian feast is held at night and at crack of dawn, fire is
ceremoniously applied to the meji constructed the previous evening .
The
meji is a structure built of logs of wood placed in pairs, tier above
tier till they rise to considerable heights and present the appearance
of a lofty temple. The male folk of the entire village or locality
gather at the site of the meji and there take place a tea party in which
cakes of various kinds are served. The feasting is followed by sports
throughout the day. The half-burnt sticks and ashes of the meji are strewn
on the fields and at the root of the fruit trees as they are believed
to increase fertility.
|
