Assamese community of Dimapur celebrated Uruka, the eve of Magh Bihu, in a grandeur at Dimapur Namghar premises on January 14.
Men and women took part in various rituals associated with Magh Bihu and were soaked in the festive spirit of their native places. The most striking part of the celebration was the preparation of Assamese traditional sweets known as “Pitha” by women while menfolk prepared a large buffet dinner for a grand feast. Before the feast, young and old alike danced to the beats of popular Bihu songs. Singing of old Bihu numbers by the elderly men was one of the greatest attractions of the celebration. The programme was organized by Dimapur Namghar Trust Board while Dimapur Namghar Committee arranged the feast. Dimapur Namghar Trust Board president Khagen Chetia stated that the celebration was aimed at upholding the rich Assamese tradition and culture.
Magh Bihu or more appropriately Bhogali Bihu is one of the most important festivals of Assam which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of “Maagha”, and “Bhogali Bihu”. The celebration revolves around families getting together for a grand feast. Bhogali is derived from the Assamese word “Bhog” meaning food and the name signifies that the stores and granaries in homes were filled with the recent harvested crop.