GUWAHATI, Jan 13 - With the aroma of roasted sesame and melted jaggery wafting in the air and preparations for community feasting in full swing, the State is gearing up to celebrate Uruka and Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam.
In the markets, people were seen buying items for the last minute preparations to celebrate the next three days with their near and dear ones.
Displaying different Bihu delicacies from all corners of the State, the markets here are decked up to attract the customers. Makeshift stalls selling Bihu essentials like til pitha, narikal pitha, different types of laru and other items along the thoroughfares of the city help the denizens celebrate the occasion in the most traditional way.
�The curd set in earthen pots and rich cream along with joha chira and fresh jaggery are the items I look for in the markets during this time. Whereas we have the option to choose from a wide array of items from markets, a few things are also prepared at home to keep the tradition alive,� said Diplip Bora, a resident of the Ganeshguri area.
Temporary markets have come up in areas like Ambari, Ulubari, GS Road, Chandmari, Silpukhuri, near Dighalipukhuri and many other areas of the city.
�This time, we have experimented with traditional narikal laru mixed with mushrooms, which are available in different colours. Other than being attractive, these larus are also very nutritious, which is being loved by the people,� said Pranjal Baruah, a city-based entrepreneur.
On the other hand, the authorities concerned have asked the meat sellers not to hike the rates on the Uruka day. �We have asked the meat sellers to fix the rates at Rs 580 per kg, if possible. We believe that the rates would not cross Rs 600. The meat rates are likely to come down further after March,� said sources from the GMC.
