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Guwahati / Agartala, Jan 26 (ANI): It’s festival time in India as the sun starts its northward journey, marking the beginning of the end of winter and the coming of spring.

This is a time of the year when Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lodhi or Bihu is observed to signal the joyous beginning of the new harvest season.

Bihu or Makar Sankranti signifies the day when the sun begins its ascendancy and enters into the Northern Hemisphere, the Tropic of Capricorn.Bihu is the most important festival in Assam and occurs thrice a year. In April, it is called Rongali or Bohag Bihu, in October November Kati Bihu, and in January, coinciding with Makara Sankranti, it is called Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu.

Bhogali Bihu is celebrated immediately after the winter harvest. The word ‘bhogali’ comes from bhoga, which translates to ‘feast’, and the festival is essentially one of thanks giving and merry making after a good harvest. Traditional games form a part of this centuries old festival. Buffalo fight is one of favorite games of the people of the region that begin with the sound of trumpets and village priests performing rituals. Bulbul fight is another tradition that Assamese people follow during Bihu. The festival is also marked by a brisk and a joyous dance by young men and women in their traditional attires.

In Tripura, people took a holy dip in the River Gomati at the Tirthamukh fair.Devotees also prayed to the Sun for prosperity and happiness.Special security measures and other arrangements were made for the devotees.”The importance of this mela is increasing every year. The lighting and security arrangements are properly done. There is no problem and everyone is enjoying,” said B K Roy of Tripura PoliceThe festival is not only a reminder of the culture and traditions of Assam and Tripura, but also is a story of civilization whose foundations were built on agricultural and pastoral life. (ANI)