Guwahati, Jan 13: Assam has slipped into full festive mode as Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu)—the harvest festival marking the end of the agricultural season—draws near. With Uruka, the traditional eve of the festival, falling on Tuesday, markets across the state witnessed a surge of late-night shoppers, grand feasts in the making and towering fish becoming the centre of attention.
In Guwahati, fish and meat markets bustled from early morning and remained crowded well past midnight. The iconic Uzan Bazar fish market turned into a hive of activity as families queued up to buy fish, meat and traditional delicacies such as pitha and laru, essentials for the Bhogali feast.
Traders said more than 70 vehicles carrying fish arrived overnight at Uzan Bazar, bringing fresh supplies from Nagaon, Morigaon, Barpeta, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Darrang and even West Bengal. Popular varieties, including Rohu, Chital, Borali, Ari and Bhokua, flooded the market, reflecting the scale of Uruka celebrations in the city.
Across Assam, unusually large fish became crowd-pullers ahead of Magh Bihu.
Balipara saw a 36-kg grass carp sold for ₹16,000.
Bokakhat markets displayed 35-kg Big Head fish, along with 10–15 kg Borali and Sitol.
Dhamdhama reported a 35-kg Big Head fish on sale.
Gopal Bazaar in Nalbari showcased a 26-kg Big Head fish, while
Biswanath markets offered 25-kg Bahu, 22-kg Pithia and 15-kg Borali.
The sight of these massive catches drew curious onlookers and buyers alike, underlining the festive fervour associated with Bhogali Bihu.
Even as local produce dominated the markets, fish farmers raised concerns over the unregulated inflow of Hilsa from Bangladesh and fish from West Bengal.
“It is heartening to see fish consignments from Assam districts coming to our wholesale market in Uzan Bazar. Most of these are from fisheries and ponds run by local people,” said Bhaskar Das, secretary of the Brihattar Uzanbazar Anusuchita Jati Nibanuwa Matsa Byabasayee Santha, stressing the need to protect local livelihoods.
Preparations are underway across the state with Bhelaghars and Mejis—made of bamboo and leaves—coming up in neighbourhoods and institutions. In Guwahati, students and teachers of Assam Jatiya Bidyalay marked pre-Magh Bihu celebrations by lighting Mejis and offering prayers to Agni, the fire deity, seeking prosperity and well-being. School authorities said such observances help students connect with Assam’s cultural roots.
Adding to the celebrations, Purabi Dairy, Northeast India’s largest dairy cooperative, observed pre-Magh Bihu at its dairy processing plant in Panjabari, Guwahati, highlighting a year of strong growth. Officials of the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) said milk procurement and production have risen steadily, with more Dairy Cooperative Societies joining the network, including in Upper Assam.
“By strengthening procurement systems and expanding our cooperative base, we are ensuring dairy farming becomes a reliable livelihood for thousands of rural families,” WAMUL Managing Director Sameer Kumar Parida said.
As bonfires are readied, feasts planned, and markets stay alive through the night, Magh Bihu once again brings Assam together—celebrating harvest, community and shared prosperity.
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