Watch Bhogali Bihu preparation from Nagaon's Kampur

Bihu is Assam's dearest of festivals and the pride of the entire community. As a celebration that identifies with the spirit and integrity of the Assamese race, the enthusiasm and fervour associated with Magh Bihu has a truly infectious energy that every Assamese holds in high esteem.

As a celebration that upholds the pride of the community, every Assamese waits with anticipation for their beloved festival to beckon the threshold. And though the festival of Bihu is celebrated with three different interpretations, the spirit embodying the festivities remains the same. Integrity and gratitude fostered with a spirit of oneness and brotherhood rules this traditional celebration by the Assamese race.

The festival of Magh Bihu is marked by feasts and bonfires. Young people erect makeshift huts, known as Meji and Bhelaghar, from bamboo, leaves and thatch, and in Bhelaghar they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning.

The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as Tekeli Bhonga (pot-breaking), Egg Fighting. Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh (Assamese Calendar) and usually 14 January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu). The night before is "Uruka", when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner together.