GUWAHATI, Jan 13 � In view of the fact that transitions have led to the disappearance of many traditions and are posing a threat to more age old mores, the Pachim Guwahati Nagarik Sajagata Mancha will give an opportunity to the Guwahatians to offer their prayers to the God of Fire on the occasion of Magh Bihu.
On January 15, a 30�foot meji that has been erected at Sonaram field here under the initiative of the Mancha will be ceremonially set alight at 9 am.
What is significant about this celebration of the auspicious Magh Bihu is that it will include people from all caste, creed and language. According to Bishwajit Das, treasurer of the Mancha, this celebration will send out the message of unity, harmony and camaraderie.
�We decided to celebrate the Magh Bihu publicly so that men and women from all section of the society can come and be a part of this auspicious moment,� said Das adding that due to the rapid changes, a section of Guwahatians have forgotten their culture and tradition. Therefore, was important to revive interest in tradition.
It needs to be mentioned here that the meji will be ceremonially alighted by former VC of Tezpur University Kishori Mohan Pathak and renowned filmmaker Anowar Hussain.
�We have employed skilled workers from Rani to erect the meji,� said Das asserting that this effort on the part of the Mancha will surely make the young generation aware about their own unique customs.
Meanwhile, at various localities in the capital city, the citizens have erected mejis of different heights. Though this city is a concrete jungle and life by compulsion has become mechanical here, people do not miss the occasion to come together and share their joys. So right now, the capital city is in the mood of celebration. The markets are crowded with people making the purchases for celebrating Magh Bihu. Snatches of Bihu songs can be heard from the music stores and from the public buses. Though the temperature has plummeted, the celebratory mood of the city has made everyone feel warm and contented.
