PM Modi Extends Magh Bihu Greetings To The People Of Assam

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Assam on the occasion of Magh Bihu.

In a special letter, he expressed hope that the festival would bring peace, good health, and happiness to everyone’s lives.

Addressing the citizens of Assam, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes and reflected on the cultural and social importance of the festival. He described Magh Bihu as a celebration that embodies joy, warmth, and brotherhood within Assamese society.

“Dear fellow citizen, warmest greetings to you and your family on the joyous occasion of Magh Bihu. Embodying the best of Assamese culture, this beautiful festival is indeed an occasion of joy, warmth, and brotherhood,” PM Modi wrote.

He further added, “The essence of Magh Bihu lies in contentment and gratitude. It marks the completion of the harvest season and offers an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of those who enrich our lives, particularly our hardworking farmers. It also encourages generosity and care among us. May this Magh Bihu bring peace, good health, and happiness to everyone’s lives. I wish that the year ahead is filled with prosperity and success.”

Cultural Significance of Magh Bihu

Celebrated as Bhogali Bihu or Maghar Domahi, Magh Bihu is one of the most important festivals of Assam.

Observed in the Assamese month of Magh, which usually falls between January and February, the festival signifies the end of the harvest season and the start of a new agricultural cycle.

Beginning on Thursday this year, Magh Bihu festivities start with Uruka, the final day of the Paush month.

Communities gather on Uruka to mark the start of celebrations, building temporary huts called Meji from bamboo, leaves, and thatch.

Women prepare traditional rice-based delicacies such as sunga pitha, til pitha, and coconut laddus in the Bhelaghar, creating an atmosphere of unity and cultural pride.

Following tradition, the Meji huts are ceremonially burnt on the morning of Magh Bihu as part of a sacred ritual. Ashes are scattered over farmlands to pray for fertile soil and abundant crops. Various other rituals, including Tekeli Bhonga, buffalo fights, and prayers to ancestral deities, are performed to seek blessings.

Recognised as one of the three major Bihu festivals in Assam, Magh Bihu combines folk music, traditional food, and dance. It strengthens community bonds, encourages generosity, and allows people to enjoy the fruits of their labour after months of hard work.

Reiterating the significance of the festival, the Prime Minister’s greetings highlighted Assam’s rich culture. The message also emphasised the role of festivals in promoting unity, generosity, and social harmony.