IT’S BIHU & SIZE DOES MATTER



Size do matter and it definitely does a lot, especially, on the last day of Poush or the eve of Magh. Scientifically in Uttrayan -- it’s about size and shape.  

Since the break of dawn on Tuesday, 5.15AM to be precise, it was an undeclared competition in Assam. Though nothing fishy about the affair but the mad rush for fish started early morning. If not the best catch then definitely the best bargain for the evening. 

No matter which day of the month or in which shape the country’s economy is, being the head of the family if you return without the fish for the feast you are not man enough.   



Though there are no written strictures but ‘Macch’ is a Must on Uruka -- the day before the Magh Bihu in Assam. It’s the Chitol, Borali and Bhokuwa that makes it to the choice and preference of their admirers. 

Note worthily, fish today mean only local ones from the rivers and water bodies which are alive and guarantee exquisite taste.



At the start, it was the 23 kilogram Borali at Uzan Bazaar Macch Ghat, the destination for local fish in Guwahati  led the race bidding at rupees 36,000. However by tea time the Aari from Jorhat emerged as the clear winner at 44.5K. 

You thought it’s only the size that does not matter, amazingly the cost too matter the least on this day of the festival whose very name signifies Feast or Bhog.



Community fishing is an integral part of the mega fish fiesta on Magh Bihu. Misty morning, spine chilling cold are mere challenges that the revelers on this day easily overcome to reach the water bodies armed with bamboo baskets and indigenous fishing equipment’s. 

Wadding in the muddy water for hours the catch in the end is no less than the medallion you get at the local championship.

The Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu celebrations start from the previous day which is Uruka (the day of grand feast).

As part of the tradition, the Bhela Ghar – a makeshift shelter made of straw, bamboo and leaves where Bihu-revellers spend the Uruka night merrymaking before setting it on flames next morning are made across the state.




Meji, a thatch-and-bamboo structure which is consigned to flames early morning on the Bihu day as homage to Agni, the fire god are also being made across the state.


Night feast is customary on Uruka. The fish bought in day becomes the talk of the night; its smooth like butter, almost melts in your mouth are few words of appreciation that come in the way to boost your confidence as a fish connoisseur. However discussions still remain inconclusive on the style of preparation.

After all, satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest source of happiness in life.



 -- With Niloy Bhattacharjee

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