Assam: Lalmati Rongali Bihu Fest Shines Without Public Donations

Our Correspondent

MANGALDAI: While shady tales of Rongali Bihu celebrations funded by public donations are all too common, the crew at Dakshin Barsajai Maidam Durga Mandir Trust, Lalmati, Guwahati, flipped the script this year. The Rongali Bihu Celebration Committee hosted a vibrant Bihu event without collecting a single penny from the community, earning widespread appreciation and setting an inspiring precedent.

The celebration began on April 14, Goru Bihu, at the Assam Go-Seva Samiti grounds. The day kicked off with a ceremonial bath for the cows at the goshala, followed by extending Bihu greetings and warm hospitality to the cowherds. Social worker Bishnu Prasad Bora inaugurated the celebration by hoisting the Bihu flag.

Marking their commitment to social responsibility, the Durga Mandir Trust provided financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each to the non-governmental organizations — Amal Prabha Das Education Institute and Karunadhara, which support the underprivileged, differently-abled, and those in need of medical care. An additional Rs 12,000 was donated for the development of the Kaliya Kanai cremation ground.

During the same event, student Sumima Begum from Amal Prabha Das Education Institute was felicitated for her outstanding performance in the high school examinations. She was presented with books, a cash prize, and best wishes for her future academic journey.

The event opened with a soulful Durga Vandana performed by the women’s group of the Mandir Trust, followed by a spirited Bihu Husori performance by Head Priest Kanak Chandra Sharma, spreading festive cheer among the attendees.

Dignitaries present — including Nagen Kalita, President of Assam Go-Seva Samiti; Gokul Kumar Sharma, President of Kaliya Kanai Cremation Management Committee; Bashishtha Chittaranjan Kalita, Headmaster of Amal Prabha Das School; Akhil Chandra Goswami, President of the Mandir Trust; Nagendra Nath Goswami, Vice-President; and Chittaranjan Sharma, a member of Karunadhara — lauded the Bihu Committee’s dedicated and transparent efforts.

It is worth mentioning that this Bihu celebration, being only five years old, does not qualify for government grants. Yet, under the stewardship of Hiren Saharia, Secretary of the Mandir Trust, the celebration turned out to be a grand success, concluding with a colourful Bihu Husori performance by the Na-Kareng Bihu Husori Team.

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