Assam: Rongali Bihu arrives; gaiety and festivity abound in state

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: A festive atmosphere is prevailing across the state as the much-awaited Rongali Bihu has arrived. Preparations for the celebration of the Bihu, which is in the essence of the soul of every Assamese, have been going on for some time now. The sounds of the dhol-pepa-taal-gogona are reverberating across the state, with Goru Bihu starting on Monday.

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is a seven-day Assamese festival celebrating the start of the Assamese New Year with the advent of the Assamese month of Bohag and the harvest season. The seven days of the festival comprise Goru (Cow) Bihu, Manuh (Human) Bihu, Goxai (Gods) Bihu, Tator (Weaving) Bihu, Nangal (Plough) Bihu, Senehi (Affection) Bihu and Chera (Farewell) Bihu.

Bihu dance, Husori, Bihu Naam, Jeng Bihu, and traditional games and sports are organized, competitions on the best Bihu dancer with titles like Mou Kunwari and Bihu Kunwari draw huge crowds at Bihutolis. People indulge in traditional dishes and sweetmeats like pitha and laru, prepared by the womenfolk at their homes.

A festive air can be seen in the city of Guwahati. An unannounced competition always takes place among Bihu committees to set up the best Bihutoli and offer exclusive attractions in the form of renowned singers, the best Bihu troupes and female Bihu dancers. An effort is also made to be different in terms of organising events like Mukoli Bihu and Husori performances.

Guwahati’s noted Bihutolis, like Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani at Latasil Field, Pub-Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan at AEI Ground in Chandmari, Ganeshguri Bihu Sanmilan at Gopal Boro HS School playground and Noonmati Bihu Sanmilan at Refinery playground, will kick off their events and programmes from Monday.

The Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani at Latasil was the first in the state to bring Bihu programmes from the field to the stage. This year, it will be 74 years old. The main attraction is the best Bihu dancer competition with titles like ‘Mou Kunwari’.

Pub-Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan is another renowned Bihutoli, which is popular for organising programmes and competitions on Bihu Husori, Bihu dancers, Bihuwa, Jeng Bihu, Bihuwoti, Dhulia, Pepa playing, etc. Moreover, workshops on Bihu dance and playing traditional instruments are organized for the new generation. Cultural programmes are organized every evening. A special attraction this time is a performance by noted singer Neel Akash on April 17, the concluding day.

Also read: Jetuka Jeng Bihu Group gears up to welcome Rongali Bihu in Numaligarh

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