Magh Bihu celebrated amid bill uproar

SHILLONG: Magh Bihu which is one of the most important community festivals in Assam was observed here on Tuesday amidst stiff opposition to the  Citizenship Amendment Bill which was passed in Lok Sabha recently.
Assamese people of Shillong along with the rest of the world also joined hands in celebrating Magh Bihu in Shillong. The Srimanta Sankardeva Cultural Centre, Bishnupur, Shillong celebrated at Namghar in the city. S Phukon, General Secretary of Srimanta Sankardeva Cultural Centre, said that they oppose the citizenship bill from their hearts.
He also asserted that people this year are not happy due to the ongoing unrest in Assam and other North Eastern states over the bill. Earlier a protest was also held in the morning before burning the Meji, a large bon fire. It may be mentioned that Magh Bihu is also known as Bhogali Bihu as it is celebrated with community feasts after the annual harvest.
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 Jolpan breakfast.
Indigenous games are a part of the celebrations. The Bhelaghor huts are burnt at the end of the festival.