In Guwahati, Bhogali Bihu is increasingly being celebrated with pithas stacked on shop shelves rather than prepared in home kitchens, marking a quiet but significant shift in festive traditions.
As readymade pithas and jolpan packets flood local markets across the city ahead of Magh Bihu, concerns are growing over food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance with food regulations.
Readymade Bhogali Bihu pithas have taken over Guwahati markets, replacing traditional home-prepared festive foods. While the trend supports small vendors and women-led SHGs, many products lack visible FSSAI approval, raising concerns over hygiene, food safety, plastic waste, and the erosion of traditional Assamese food practices.
From Home Kitchens to Market Shelves
Older residents of Guwahati recall a time when Bhogali Bihu mornings were defined by the aroma of bhapot diya pitha, tekeli pitha, and freshly prepared jolpan made at home.
“Earlier, making pithas was an integral part of Assamese households during Bihu. Now, it’s mostly available in the market,” said a 75-year-old resident of Beltola while speaking to GPlus.
Today, instead of rice being ground at home and pithas steamed in traditional utensils, many families opt for ready-to-eat packets sold at roadside stalls, grocery stores, and temporary Bihu markets across the city.
Rise of a Seasonal Cottage Economy
The shift has created a growing seasonal economy in Guwahati, driven largely by women-led self-help groups (SHGs), home-based entrepreneurs, and small vendors.
These sellers cater to nuclear families, working professionals, and elderly residents who may not have the time or physical capacity to prepare traditional items at home.
While this has opened new income avenues during the festive season, it has also brought challenges related to standardisation, hygiene, and oversight.
Hygiene and Safety Concerns
During a market survey, GPlus found that several packets of pithas and jolpan sold in Guwahati carried no visible registration or licence details from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Packaging often lacked basic information such as manufacturing date, ingredient list, or shelf-life, raising questions about food safety, especially for items made using rice, coconut, sesame, and jaggery, which are prone to spoilage if improperly handled.
What Officials Say
A senior official from Assam’s Food Safety Department acknowledged that compliance among small festive food producers remains low.
“Despite awareness drives and training under Advanced FoSTaC programmes, several of these businesses are operating without proper licences,” the official told GPlus. He stressed that hygiene and safety norms are mandatory even for small-scale and seasonal units.
Officials said enforcement becomes difficult during the festive rush, though inspections are carried out selectively.
Plastic Waste and Cultural Loss
Apart from food safety, environmental concerns are also surfacing. The shift from reusable plates and banana leaves to plastic-wrapped packets has added to seasonal waste in Guwahati.
Cultural observers note that the move towards commercialised festive food risks diluting the community-driven, intergenerational traditions that once defined Bhogali Bihu.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As Guwahati grows more urban and time-constrained, convenience-driven consumption is reshaping festivals. However, unchecked food practices pose risks to public health and undermine trust in local markets.
Balancing livelihood opportunities for small vendors with food safety, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility remains a pressing challenge for the city.
What Happens Next
Food safety officials said they plan to continue awareness programmes and inspections, especially during peak festive seasons. Consumers, meanwhile, are being urged to check for basic compliance markers and purchase from trusted sellers.
Whether Guwahati can modernise its festive markets without compromising safety and tradition remains an open question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are readymade pithas popular in Guwahati now?
Changing lifestyles, smaller families, and time constraints have made ready-to-eat pithas a convenient option for many households.
Are all Bhogali Bihu pithas in Guwahati FSSAI-approved?
No. Many products sold during the festive season lack visible FSSAI registration, raising concerns over hygiene and food safety.