The Bihu fervour grips the state with dhol and pepa

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: With the onset of Bihu, the indigenous people of the land are in high spirits. The ensuing Lok Sabha elections cannot dither the fervour of the Rongali festival.

The most important part of Bihu is its cultural aspect with its music, dances, songs which are incomplete without traditional Assamese musical instruments. Although certain instruments are exclusively available only during this time of the year, the sales have not minimized over the years.

A salesman speaking to The Sentinel informed, “The dhol, considered to be the most important musical instrument of Assamese Folk culture, costs a minimum of Rs 2000 and can get as costly as the material demanded by the buyer.

The pepa, made with the horn of a buffalo costs anywhere between Rs 1500 to 5000. The gogona, which requires high level of workmanship costs around Rs 100 to 200. The toka – the bamboo slapstick costs around Rs 100 to 300. The xutuli – the instrument which looks like the half moon, believed to be existing since time beyond history and imitates the sound of animals and birds, believed to invite rain, and many other instruments to every corner of Assam costs around Rs 200 to 300, while the bahi costs anywhere between Rs 100 to 1000.”

The salesman informed that it is only during this month that the musical instruments are sold and most buy it as a reminder of our tradition to educate the new generation. He confessed that this is not a regular business and so, there is neither profit nor loss but is done in the spirit of Rongali Bihu.

Also read: Assam In Glee With Rongali Bihu fervour