SHILLONG: Magh Bihu which is one of the most important festivals in Assam, was observed here on Tuesday amidst stiff opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Bill that was passed in Lok Sabha on January 8.
Assamese people of Shillong along with their brethren in Assam joined the celebration of Magh Bihu in Shillong. The Srimanta Sankardeva Cultural Centre, Bishnupur here celebrated Magh Bihu at its Namghar onTuesday
S Phukon, General Secretary of Srimanta Sankardeva Cultural Centre, said that they opposed Citizenship Bill from their hearts
“We condemn this Bill from the core of our hearts,” he said.
He also asserted that that people this year were not happy due to the ongoing unrest in Assam and other North Eastern states over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
Earlier, a protest was also held in the morning before lighting the Meji, a large bonfire. as the Assamese community protested the passing of Citizenship (Ammendment) Bill in Lok Sabha.
It may be mentioned that Magh Bihu is also called as Bhogali Bihu as it is celebrated with community feasts after the annual harvest of paddy crop in rural Assam..
Various dishes, vegetables, meat items and sweets such as Pitha, Laadu are made out of sesame, molasses and coconut are prepared.
The next morning, the community gathers to light the Meji and pray for a better harvest in the year ahead. Offerings are made to the sacred fire and people later indulge in traditional breakfast.
Indigenous games are a part of the celebrations. The Bhelaghor (huts) are burnt at the end of the festival.