Assam: Rongali Bihu celebrated with traditional fervor in Chennai

A CORRESPONDENT

GAURISAGAR: Along with Assam, Rongali Bihu was also celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety at Chennai under the aegis of Assam Association Chennai and SADINER (Students Association for the Development of India’s North East Region), IIT Madras. The function was held recently at the Student Activity Centre of IIT Madras. Dr Jane Prasad, the Registrar of IIT Madras, inaugurated the function as the chief guest for the event. Deben Daloi, President, Assam Association Chennai and Tarh Haniya, President of SADINER, expressed Bihu greetings and welcomed the people from various parts of greater Chennai to enjoy the Bihu programme.

In her inaugural speech, Dr Prasad spoke highly about the hospitality, kindness and rich culture of the Assamese people. North East India Welfare Association Chennai (NEIWAC) President Wapang Toshi also graced the function as a special guest. The programme started with a chorus ‘Aji Bando Ki Chandere’ penned by Ambikagiri Rai Chowdhury. Thereafter, the children of Assam Association Chennai performed a play, beautifully presenting the atmosphere and customs of Goru bihu in a typical rural home in Assam. The short play described the diversity of Bihu of different ethnic groups like Mising, Tiwa, Deuri, Bodo, etc. It also tried to highlight the folk instruments like dhol, pepa, gagana and traditional Goru bihu ‘chak,’ etc. The children’s innovative performances fascinated the entire theatre.

Also, dances and songs of various ethnic groups of North East India created a festive atmosphere at the IIT Madras Auditorium. Mising Gumrag dance, Manipuri dance of Diha Angam, group Bihu dance of IIT students, Husori of children conducted by Anju Deuri, Bihu duet dance performed by Purabi Bordoloi and Geetashree Saikia, Sattriya dance by Jyotisha Deka, and solo Bihu dance performances by Kashvi Bordoloi, Spriha Bailung, and Swastika Satyam Lahon enthralled the audience. Folk songs and dances performed by the Bengal Association as well as Naga folk music and Mising Aihnitam made the evening more varied and heartwarming. There were also fashion shows featuring the unique costumes from Assam and the North East. The exhibition was a combination of traditional and modern costumes and was a healthy reflection of the cultural identity of the Assamese.

The special attraction of the function was the ‘Husori’ performed by members of Assam Association Chennai, initiated by Gautom Kumar Bailung. The Husori team performed with traditional Bihu songs and rituals associated with a Husori troupe, which was highly lauded by the audience.

After the function, Gautam Deuri, Secretary, Assam Association Chennai, expressed his sincere thanks to the IIT Madras authorities, students, and social organizations of the North East and West Bengal, and the members of Assam Association Chennai for making the Rongali bihu function a grand success. Earlier, the whole cultural function was anchored by Meghna Das, Satyam Lahon, and Spriha Bailung. The new annual edition of ‘Kaziranga,’ the online magazine of Assam Association Chennai was also unveiled on this occasion.

Also Read: ABSU hails initiative to unveil Bodofa UN Brahma’s statue in New Delhi

Also Watch: