GUWAHATI, April 16 � Bohag or Rongali Bihu, the biggest festival of the people of Assam cutting across ethno-religious barriers � which also heralds the Assamese New Year � was celebrated all over the State in a befitting manner even though the unprecedented rise in the prices of essential commodities did dampen the festive ambience at places.
The festivities started on Wednesday with the traditional Goru Bihu � the occasion centring round the cattle when the animals are bathed, garlanded and adored. The next day, i.e., Manuh Bihu marks the beginning of the Bihu dance and musical programmes that usually last for three-four days. On this day, people exchange Bihu greetings with one another, feast on Bihu delicacies and enjoy Bihu dance and music in open fields as also in organized functions at Bihutolis.
The city too had its fair share of the festivities, with over 70 Bihu pandals hosting the celebrations in greater Guwahati since Wednesday and Thursday. At many localities, the Bihu functions will continue till Sunday. Some of the well-known Bihutolis that have been drawing big crowds since the last three days are Latasil, Pub-Guwahati (Chandmari), Khanapara, Rajgarh, Maligaon, Pandu, Noonmati, etc. The Mukoli Bihu organized by the All Guwahati Students� Union at the Judges� Field on Wednesday was also a hit with the crowd, drawing spontaneous participation. The events for the day generally include different sports and recreational contests among children and housewives, while the evenings consist of Bihu dance, hussori and other cultural items that run late into the night. A host of luminaries from the State�s cultural arena perform in the different Bihutolis, regaling the jam-packed audience. Those who have been performing during this Bihu include Zubeen Garg, Devojit Saha, Mitali Das, Krishnamoni Chutia, Krishnamoni Nath, Kumar Bhabesh, among others.
A highlight of last night�s Bihu function was a nostalgic evening at Khanapara featuring several eminent artistes of yesteryears including Dr Lakshahira Das, Ruby Sinha, Queen Das, Jiten Deka and Chetana Das.
