GMC to Host Three Bhogali Bihu Melas in Guwahati from Jan 10 – 12

With Magh Bihu just days away, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will organise three Bhogali Bihu Melas across Guwahati from January 10 to 12.

The fairs will be held at Ganeshpara Field, the GMC Office Field at Dispur Supermarket, and Motghoria Field, aiming to bring festive shopping closer to neighbourhoods across the city.

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation will organise three Bhogali Bihu Melas in the city from January 10 to 12 at Ganeshpara Field, Dispur Supermarket (GMC Office Field), and Motghoria Field. The melas will feature traditional Bhogali food and jolpan sold by local self-help groups ahead of Magh Bihu.

Platforms for Local SHGs

Officials said the primary focus of the Bhogali Bihu Melas is to support local self-help groups (SHGs) by giving them direct access to customers during the peak festive season.

SHGs will sell traditional Bhogali food items, including jolpan, pithas, and other seasonal essentials commonly consumed during Magh Bihu celebrations.

GMC’s Objective Behind the Melas

Speaking to GPlus, a GMC official said the initiative is meant to promote local food culture while supporting small producers.

“Bihu is a time for local traditions and food, and these stalls give people a chance to buy directly from those who make them,” the official said, adding that such platforms help SHGs earn during an important seasonal window.

Voices from the SHGs

Members of participating SHGs said the melas allow them to avoid intermediaries and reach buyers directly.

“During Bihu, jolpan and pithas are in high demand. These fairs allow us to sell at a better rate,” said a member of an SHG preparing for the event.

Several groups noted that city-based melas help them reach a wider customer base compared to local markets alone.

Why These Locations Matter

The three mela venues, Ganeshpara, Dispur Supermarket, and Motghoria, are located in different parts of Guwahati, making the fairs accessible to residents across the city.

Officials said decentralising the events helps reduce crowding at a single location while allowing more neighbourhoods to participate in festive shopping.

Bhogali Bihu Preparations in Full Swing

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, will be celebrated on January 14 and 15. In Guwahati, preparations typically intensify in the days leading up to Uruka, with families shopping for traditional food items and festive essentials.

The GMC melas are expected to attract families, office-goers, and senior citizens looking for authentic Bhogali food products.

What Happens Next

The three-day melas will run from January 10 to 12. GMC officials said arrangements have been made for stall allocation and basic amenities at all three venues.

Footfall is expected to increase closer to the festival dates as Guwahati residents finalise their Bhogali Bihu preparations.

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