Magh Bihu 2026: Assam's Grand Harvest Festival Celebrates on January 15
Magh Bihu stands as the most significant festival in Assam. People across the state celebrate it with immense enthusiasm and fervor. According to the Bengal Panjika, the celebration occurs on the first day of the Magha month.
This year, Magh Bihu will be celebrated on January 15, 2026. The festival is also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghor Bihu in Assamese culture.
When is Magh Bihu in 2026?
The Drik Panchang states the Sankranti moment will happen at 03:13 PM on January 14, 2026. However, the actual Magh Bihu celebration takes place on the following day, January 15.
Significance of Magh Bihu
Magh Bihu is one of the most prominent Assamese festivals. It is celebrated with great grandeur and excitement. This festival focuses on sharing meals and sweets while honoring Agni Dev, the lord of fire.
People offer prayers to Agni Dev for well-being and longevity. They express gratitude for the bountiful harvest. In various regions of India, Sankranti honors Lord Surya. On this auspicious day, many wake up early, take holy baths in rivers like the Ganga, and offer arghya to Suryadev.
In North India, the festival is called Makar Sankranti. Tamil Nadu celebrates it as Pongal, while Assam knows it as Bhogali Bihu. The term Bihu is thought to derive from Bishu, meaning seeking peace. Bhog means to eat, highlighting the event's community meal-sharing aspect.
Magh Bihu 2026 Celebration
Magh Bihu also serves as a sports festival. People celebrate it with great passion and excitement. Traditional activities include cock fights and buffalo fights, which participants enjoy thoroughly.
All Assamese people relish this two-day festival. On the first day, young family members construct a bamboo hut or cottage near a river. Women cook special meals for the entire family to enjoy.
They greet each other and exchange sweets to enhance the celebration. Bihu songs and music form the day's major attraction. The second day is known as the Post Harvesting Ceremony. It is devoted to worshiping Lord Agni Dev and ancestors.
The celebration concludes by burning temporary Meji huts made of bamboo and leaves.
Magh Bihu 2026 Rituals
- People wake up early and take a holy bath.
- They offer puja to Lord Agni Dev and burn the Meji hut.
- Devotees throw pithas (rice cakes) and betel nuts into the fire while praying to Lord Agni Dev.
- They offer prayers to Lord Agni Dev for blessings.
- Families distribute bhog prasad to neighbors, relatives, and family members.
- To spread happiness, people carry half-burned firewood home and throw it at fruit plants.
