Hyderabad: As Hyderabad celebrated Sankranti, the Assamese community in the city celebrated Bhogali Bihu, also called Magh Bihu. The celebrations organised by the Assam Society of Hyderabad began on Sunday at Kalamadaly Park, Golconda, which were attended by 700 to 800 people. Monday, however, was quieter and mostly spent at home, sharing sweets, and celebrating Bihu in smaller ways.
“Monday is a working day. So we celebrated on Sunday with a large gathering,” said Bitupon Hazarika, an active member of the Assam Society.
Bhogali Bihu, a harvest festival, is observed in Assam at the end of the harvesting season. The celebrations begin with Uruka, the night before the main day, when families and neighbours come together to cook and share meals. Traditional dishes such as pitha (rice cakes), narkol naru (coconut sweet balls), and fish curries are prepared. On the main day, a ceremonial bonfire, called meji, is lit as an offering to the fire god. In Hyderabad however, more than lighting bonfires the focus for the community remains on food and spending time with others during Magh Bihu.
“People cooked food and Assamese delicacies together, and there was a large picnic-like atmosphere,” said a member of the Assam Society. The community shared a feast of homemade food and traditional dishes, with families coming together to honour elders and enjoy the day. “We ended the day with dance and music, it was perfect,” said Bitupon.
The Assam Society of Hyderabad began in 2019 during the pandemic. It started as a support network for Assamese people who faced challenges with food and shelter. “During Covid, many of us had no jobs or food. That’s when we came together to help,” said a member. The group has grown to over 1,500 members on social media and connects more than 30,000 Assamese diaspora living in Telangana. “Most of the Assmese people stay near Siddique Nagar in Nanakrumguda,” said Bitupon.
The society has also taken on other roles, like assisting with accommodation or helping people return home in emergencies. “We are not rich people. Most of us come here to work. If someone is sick or passes away, we collect money to help,” shared Bitupon.
