Assamese Community In Hyderabad Celebrates Bhogali Bihu With Festive Spirit

HYDERABAD: The 'City of Pearls' witnessed the Sankranti festival with the Assamese community coming together to celebrate Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu.

The Assam Society of Hyderabad organized the festivities, which began on Sunday at Kalamadaly Park in Golconda and were attended by approximately 700 to 800 people.

On Monday, the event was much more subdued as many preferred to spend the day at home, exchanging sweets and celebrating in smaller gatherings. "Monday is a working day, so we celebrated Sunday with a large gathering," said Bitupon Hazarika, an active member of the Assam Society.

Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival observed in Assam, signifying the conclusion of the harvesting season. The celebrations kick off with Uruka, the evening prior to the main event, when families and neighbors come together to cook and enjoy traditional dishes. Some of the favored foods include pitha (rice cakes), narkol naru (coconut sweet balls), and various fish curries.

On the main day, a ceremonial bonfire, meji, is lit as an offering to the fire god. However, in Hyderabad, the emphasis was more on communal dining and socializing rather than lighting bonfires.

The Assam Society of Hyderabad was established in 2019 during the pandemic. It began as a support group for Assamese people struggling to find food and shelter. Over time, it grew to over 1,500 social media users and connected over 30,000 Assamese residents in Telangana. The society is providing accommodation and emergency assistance, which will help to foster a strong bond between its members.

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