Magh Bihu 2026 Dates
Uruka (Eve)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Evening feast & Bhelaghar
Magh Bihu (Main Day)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Meji bonfire at dawn
Meji Time
Before sunrise
~5:30 AM - 6:00 AM
Month
Magh (Assamese calendar)
Mid-January
Magh Bihu Traditions
Uruka - The Eve Celebration
What is Uruka?
Uruka is the eve of Magh Bihu, celebrated on the night of January 14. Communities gather to build Bhelaghar (temporary huts made of bamboo and thatch) in open fields. The night features:
- Community Feast: Fish, meat, rice, and traditional dishes
- Bhelaghar Construction: Makeshift huts where people sleep
- Bonfire: Small fires to keep warm through the night
- Songs & Stories: Folk songs and community bonding
Meji - The Sacred Bonfire
Meji Lighting Ceremony
At dawn on Bihu day, the Meji (large bonfire structure) is lit. This symbolizes:
- End of harvest season and gratitude to nature
- Burning away negativity and welcoming prosperity
- Prayers for a good agricultural year ahead
Timing: Before sunrise, approximately 5:30 AM
Ritual: After lighting Meji, people offer Til (sesame), rice, and betel nut to the fire.
Traditional Bihu Foods
Pitha
Traditional rice cakes. Varieties include Til Pitha, Ghila Pitha, Sunga Pitha, and Narikol Pitha.
Laru
Sweet balls made from til (sesame) or coconut with jaggery. Essential Bihu sweet.
Jolpan
Traditional breakfast with flattened rice, curd, jaggery, and coconut.
Masor Tenga
Sour fish curry, a staple of Assamese cuisine served during Bihu.
Famous Temples & Sattras to Visit
Kamakhya Temple
Location: Guwahati, Nilachal Hill | Deity: Goddess Kamakhya
One of the most important Shakti Peethas with special Bihu celebrations.
Navagraha Temple
Location: Guwahati | Deity: Nine Planets
Unique temple dedicated to the nine planets, auspicious for Bihu prayers.
Majuli Sattras
Location: Majuli Island | Type: Vaishnavite monasteries
World's largest river island with traditional Bihu celebrations at sattras.
Umananda Temple
Location: Peacock Island, Brahmaputra | Deity: Lord Shiva
Scenic island temple with special Bihu pujas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Magh Bihu 2026 in Assam?
Magh Bihu 2026 (Bhogali Bihu) is celebrated on January 14-15, 2026. Uruka (eve feast) is on January 14 night, and the main Bihu is on January 15.
How many Bihu festivals are there in Assam?
There are three Bihu festivals: Bohag Bihu (April - New Year), Magh Bihu (January - Harvest), and Kati Bihu (October - Lighting lamps).
Is Bihu a government holiday in Assam?
Yes, Bihu is a state holiday in Assam. Government offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed.
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