IN PICS: Magh Bihu Celebrated with Burning of ‘Meji’, a Traditional Bonfire

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Last Updated:July 01, 2023, 12:02 IST

Assam on Sunday celebrated Magh Bihu with traditional fervour along with the burning of a religious bonfire (meiji). The lighting of the meji is performed by the elders of the family

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In Assam, the rural and semi-urban community come together to build towering Meji (a religious bonfire) and Bhela ghor in open fields. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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Along with the 'Bhela ghor', a Meji is made from straw, hay, bamboo along with dried banana leaves, in a conical shape. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

Along with the 'Bhela ghor', a Meji is made from straw, hay, bamboo along with dried banana leaves, in a conical shape. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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The Meji, along with Bhela ghor, is merrily burnt in the early morning of Magh Bihu. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

The Meji, along with Bhela ghor, is merrily burnt in the early morning of Magh Bihu. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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People take a ritualistic early morning bath before crowding around a Meji. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

People take a ritualistic early morning bath before crowding around a Meji. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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The Meji is traditionally lit with a bamboo flame by an elder. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

The Meji is traditionally lit with a bamboo flame by an elder. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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As the Meji burns, people chant ceremonial Assamese prayers and pay special respect to elders. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

As the Meji burns, people chant ceremonial Assamese prayers and pay special respect to elders. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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People pay homage, chant hymns, offer peetha, laaru, lentils, and sesame while seeking blessings from the holy pyre. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

People pay homage, chant hymns, offer peetha, laaru, lentils, and sesame while seeking blessings from the holy pyre. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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The ashes of the Meji is scattered as it is believed to bring fertility to the soil. (Image: Uddipta Deka)

The ashes of the Meji is scattered as it is believed to bring fertility to the soil. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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After the meji and bhela ghor is burnt, people return home from the fields and have curd, chira, laaru and pithas as the Magh Bihu’s special jalpaan. (Image: Uddipta Raj Deka)

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