Agriculture celebrated

It's mid January - the Indian month of Maagha or Magh. As I stay curled up inside my blanket shivering in the biting but mesmerizing cold of Pilani ; far away my home-province wakes up with full verve and enthusiasm to celebrate Bhogali Bihu.

 Bihu - the very word that turns every heart in Assam elated with joy refers to three separate festivals - Bhogali Bihu, Rangali Bihu and Kangali Bihu. Bhogali comes from the Sanskrit word bhog which means eating and enjoyment. Popularly known as Magh Bihu  it marks the ripening of harvests in Assam. The eve of this Bihu is known as uruka. It is celebrated by feasting and merry-making in fields. People stay overnight in temporary huts called bhela ghar relishing the fruits of their hard labor in the fields. The next day commences with the burning of meji - a huge structure made of bamboo and wood and covered with hay. It is followed by the sharing of traditional Assamese food pitha and jalpaan. A serene atmosphere of merry-making and fun prevails in every household.

 Be it Makar Sankranti or Pongal or Lohri or Magh Bihu - these festivals signify the prowess of agriculturists in India. Nature lets her most intelligent creation push the boat out and enjoy the fruits of harvesting in a nation where a vast majority still practice agriculture as the primary profession.