Magh Bihu 2023: Delicious Assamese delicacies prepared during this harvest festival

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• Jan 14, 2023 | Dhupali Das

It is regarded as a time to express gratitude to the ancestors and the god of agriculture for abundant production and happy life...

Digital Desk: Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghi, is an Indian festival celebrated by the people of Assam. This special occasion marks the end of the harvest season. It is regarded as a time to express gratitude to the ancestors and the god of agriculture for abundant production and happy life. People come together with their friends and family to celebrate the new harvest, participate in traditional activities, and cook traditional Assamese cuisines and sweets. They often construct temporary huts, that are then torched as a symbol of departure of the old and the birth of the new. As Magh Bihut is mostly celebrated by families, traditional Assamese cuisine plays an important role on this occasion. Since the festival has approached, we've compiled a list of mouthwatering Assamese delicacies to make your Magh Bihu more delightful:

1. Ghila Pitha

Pitha is a sweet dish that is popular in the state. Ghila Pitha, often known as a kind of pancake, is a delicious Bihu delicacy. It is made from sticky rice flour, jaggery, and cardamom powder. After that, the fritters are deep-fried in mustard oil. The addition of glutinous rice, Bora Saul, enhances the flavour of the dish.

2. Til Pitha

Til Pitha is made with glutinous rice, a variety of local rice that becomes sticky when cooked. Before being crushed into a fine powder, the rice is properly rinsed, drained, and dried. Then, for the filling, roasted black sesame is finely crushed and mixed with jaggery. The til-jaggery mixture is spooned over the rice powder, which has been evenly placed in the shape of a circle on a heated tawa. Finally, the pitha is rolled with a spoon to give it a cylindrical shape.

3. Narikol Laru

The preparation for coconut balls, also known as nariyal ladoo in Assamese, is extremely simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. Grated coconut and sugar are mixed, then left to rest for around 30 minutes. After simmering for around 25 minutes over a low flame, the mixture is transferred to a dish. Then finally, it is formed into little balls.

4. Til Laru

Til Laru, besides Narikol Laru, is a popular type of Larus during Magh Bihu. It is made with melted jaggery and roasted, grinded sesame seeds. This snack is typically enjoyed with a cup of hot tea.

5. Narikol Pitha

Narikol Pitha, a roasted rice pancake loaded with a delicious coconut filling, is widely made and consumed in Assamese houses on the occasion of Magh Bihu. This pitha is made by artfully spreading dry rice powder in the shape of a circle on a heated tawa (pan), over which a sweet coconut filling is later added and rolled beautifully together in one or two turns. The delicious stuffing is made by roasting grated coconut granules with sugar until they become sticky.