In Photos: Assam Lights Up with Uruka Feasts as Magh Bihu Celebrations Kick Off

Entire Assam came alive with the spirit of community, feasting, and gratitude as people across towns and villages celebrated Uruka, the lively eve of Magh Bihu.

Marking the culmination of the harvest season, Uruka set the tone for the grand harvest festival with bonfires, communal meals, and heartfelt gatherings.

Uruka signifies the close of the harvesting period and is observed on the night before the main Magh Bihu day. It is often described as the most gastronomical night of the year in Assam.

Families, friends, and neighbours came together to prepare and savour a lavish spread of traditional delicacies, including freshly harvested rice, fish, meat, curd, jaggery-based sweets, and an array of pithas such as til pitha, ghila pitha, and coconut laru.

In villages and urban neighbourhoods alike, temporary huts called Bhelaghars were erected using bamboo, leaves, and thatch. These structures served as cosy gathering spots where people spent the night feasting, singing Bihu songs, and sharing stories around roaring bonfires.

Community fishing expeditions added to the excitement in many areas, with groups heading to rivers and ponds to catch fresh fish for the evening meal.

In Guwahati and other major towns, the air was filled with the aroma of wood smoke and cooking spices as large-scale community feasts took place.

Markets saw a surge in demand for fresh produce, fish, and ingredients, with traders reporting brisk sales of local catches. Youngsters and families alike participated enthusiastically, building themed Bhelaghars and organising group activities that strengthened social bonds.

The festivities reflect Assam's deep-rooted agrarian heritage and the cultural significance of abundance following a successful harvest. Magh Bihu falls on January 15, 2026, when people will offer prayers to Agni by lighting elaborate Meji bonfires at dawn, followed by more rituals, traditional games, and continued merriment.

Also Read: Assamese Pithas: A Taste of Bhogali Bihu Traditions