Magh Bihu Celebrations: A Festive Hunt for Traditional Delicacies in Guwahati

The Festive Spirit of Magh Bihu

One of the most awaited aspects of Magh Bihu, particularly for urban residents, is the exciting search for essential festive items. Starting from the New Year’s first week, the streets and markets of Guwahati buzz with temporary stalls filled with traditional Bihu ingredients that attract enthusiastic shoppers. The offerings range from seera and laaru to til, bora saul, akhoi, and sunga’r doi, creating a diverse and tempting selection.

During this season, the residents of Guwahati enjoy a plethora of choices. Whether at the lively Ganeshguri bazaar or along the bustling footpaths near major shopping areas, every necessary item is available for those willing to explore, compare, and negotiate prices.

However, this vibrant shopping experience is primarily an urban trend. In rural Assam, the Bhogali festivities unfold quite differently, with communities preparing and sharing feast essentials, thereby upholding long-standing traditions of collective celebration.

Pop-Up Stalls and Community Spirit

Pop-up stall of Laroo and Pitha in Guwahati

As the city grows and time becomes a precious commodity, many residents now opt to purchase their Bihu essentials from these pop-up stalls in advance of the celebrations.

For vendors traveling from various parts of the state, this season is crucial for their livelihoods. Many express that Bihu represents the peak of their business year.

With just a day remaining until Assam’s senehor Bhogali Bihu, shops and kiosks throughout Guwahati are adorned with a variety of items for the festivities, including liquid gur, seera, doi, sungapitha, bora saul, and more.

For example, a walk along the road to the Inter-State Bus Terminus in Khanapara reveals numerous bustling stalls, all competing for the attention of eager customers.

Vendor Insights and Community Orders

Pulak Barua, a vendor at one of the stalls in Khanapara, shared that the Bihu season significantly boosts their earnings.

"We obtain these products from various regions of the state, contracting local villagers for procurement. While we do receive orders for weddings and other events, it is during Magh and Bohag Bihu that our business truly flourishes. This is when we encounter the largest crowds and achieve the highest profits," he stated.

Similarly, Jyotish Baishya from Rangia highlighted the differences in demand between urban and rural areas.

"In villages, everyone collaborates to make pithas and laarus, eliminating the need for contracts. In the city, people are often busy and may lack the space or skills to prepare pithas themselves. The preparation requires expertise; simply grinding bora saul in a mixer won't yield the right texture. Hence, many choose to order from us," he explained.

Jonmoni Basumatary, a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) in Ganeshpara, noted that the demand for traditional foods extends beyond the festive period.

"We receive offline orders year-round for weddings, annaprasana, and small gatherings. Our team of ten either sells directly or through Self-Help Groups. This year, we have established a stall at a GMC-designated location in Ganeshpara under the SHG," she mentioned.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Many residents now prefer picking up their Bihu essentials from these pop-up stalls

She added, "While we earn the most during Bihu, our work continues throughout the year. People reach out to us for orders, which we deliver. Four of us handle the pitha-making, while others assist with preparation and sales. Our goal is to preserve our culture."

Every Magh Bihu, these vibrant markets and committed vendors ensure that the festival's essence reaches every home, even in the busiest parts of the city.

Through their dedication, traditional treats like pithas and laroos continue to unite families, maintaining age-old customs and fostering a sense of community.

In a city that rarely slows down, the warmth, flavors, and joy of Bihu serve as a gentle reminder of Assam’s rich cultural heritage, kept alive through each festive bite.

Conclusion

Every Magh Bihu, these lively markets and dedicated vendors ensure the festival’s spirit reaches every household.