Know more about Mezi, the auspicious bonfire of the Magh Bihu celebration, and the special significance it carries for the people of Assam.
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Mezi is an archetypically arranged, big-sized bonfire generally organized by the side of a Bhela Ghar. Mezi holds the greatest significance on the occasion of Magh Bihu, for it is the auspicious fire people seek blessings from.
The occasion of Magh Bihu is a significant event in the life of every Assamese. Especially for the agrarian communities, it is the most beautiful and joyous time of the year. With the fruitful harvest and abundance of crops, vegetables, and fleshy meat, people come together to celebrate this time with utmost enthusiasm and pure intentions.
But Magh Bihu is not only about communal feasting and enjoyment; it is also an auspicious occasion that is celebrated on Uttarayan, or Makar Sankranti, to offer prayers to the Sun God. It is an important aspect of prayers and rituals that has long been attached to the traditions of Magh Bihu in Assamese culture.
Structural design of Mezi
In order to organize mezies, riven logs are staked in a specific shape that tapers upward over time. Banana trees are typically placed at the stake’s four corners, with facilities constructed at the base to allow fire to be started from four directions using four bunches of dried bamboo sticks. This type of collection of dry bamboo sticks is known as “jumuthi.” The height of a conventional Mezi is at least seven feet; however, there is no set size for Mezi.
Because the riven pieces of wood logs must be dry enough to burn easily, even in the extremely foggy conditions of the early morning of Magh Bihu, the Mezi preparations typically start well before Uruka. Instead of banana trees at four corners of the stake of riven wood, bamboo trees or areca nut trees are also used in some localities.
Significance in Magh Bihu
Its structuring begins with a prayer to God through Xewa since it is seen as auspicious. On the morning of Magh Bihu, it is burned, and the people are blessed with warmth. It is thought that the warmth of Mezi banishes the inactivity brought on by the icy winter weather and gives one the energy to face the days ahead with vigor.
In order to burn Mezi or take its warmth, one must take a bath. Meji is set on fire while worshiping Agni, a god or a demi-god. Certain communities celebrate this auspicious event with particular prayers and spiritual ceremonies.
On Mezi, some people put rice, pitha, laru, tamul-pan, and sesame as offerings to the Agni deity or God. People believe that by dumping ash and burned bits on fruit vines, they can increase the number of high-quality fruits they produce.
In certain locations, firecrackers are created by filling bamboo internodes with water and setting them in the middle of Mezi wood log fragments. When a cracker like that burns, it makes a loud noise and creates fun.
Other types
In certain areas, a different kind of Mezi is organized. Rice straw is used to make it. Such a Mezi is typically substantially larger than one constructed of wood logs. The duration of its flame is significantly shorter than that of riven logs.
Even after a day, one can still enjoy the warmth of a wood log Mezi. Both varieties are placed in certain villages. Another kind of it, built from dried banana leaves, is also set up in a few places. Naturally, it is set up as an extra one.
Rimjim Bora is a passionate researcher, writer, and storyteller. Being an Assamese, she takes pride in writing the vibrant stories of Assam, sharing its essence beyond the region. Contact Rimjim at rimjim@diversityassam.com.
