Guwahati, Jan 13: "Bhogali" or "Magh Bihu", Assam's harvest festival, began here today across the state with great joy. "Bhogali", meaning "feasting" in Assamese, is highlight of the two-day festivities in Hindu month of "Magh" marking the end of the harvesting season.
Considered to be the second most important festival of the Assamese, after "Bohag Bihu" - Assamese new year on April 13 - "Bihu" began on "Uruka" with young men erecting "Mejis" or "Bhelaghars" - temporary bamboo and thatch shacks - in fields where they enjoy feasting.
Though "Bihu" is primarily an agricultural festival, yet people from all walks of life join the celebrations.
The community feasting is symbolic of healing frayed relationships while acting as a harbinger of amity and brotherhood.
On Makar Sankranti tomorrow, the "Mejis" would be set on fire, amidst chanting of prayers connoting removal of all evil and obeisance to Lord Agni (God of fire). Bureau Report