GUWAHATI, May 16 � The Assam Association Of Michigan celebrated Bohagi Bidaai on May 9 at the Kalakshetra Temple of Arts at Farmington Hills in Michigan, an e-mail received here stated.
Around 100 people, including locals as well as guests from nearby states, besides families from Ontario in Canada attended the festivities.
The evening started with a programmme �Meet and Greet� with homemade traditional snacks. The highlight of the festival was the varied cultural programmes which featured out of town guest artistes as well as local talents.
Among the youth performances, AAMI kids ranging in age from 3-12 years presented a very entertaining Bihu dance. They presented an evergreen Dr Bhupen Hazarika number We are in the same boat brother with its Assamese and Bengali translations. AAMI kids also presented some individual performances, including Bharat Natyam, Bihu dance, besides English and Assamese songs.
The adult cultural programme began with Sreemoyee Axomi by the AAMI ladies accompanied by live music by AAMI girls� band members. This was followed by a series of performances by local talents who showcased their individual talents. The AAMI boys� band presented various songs, including a choreographed version of Pedal Mari Mari, which regaled the audience.
The function was graced by three guest artistes from Columbus (Ohio) and Chicago (Illinois). From Ohio, there was Utpola Borah along with her husband Hans Utter, who presented an electrifying performance consisting of Hindustani Classical music as well as Assamese folk fusion, including Jikir, Borgeet, Lokageet and Bihu. Utpola Borah is a post-doctoral research fellow at the �Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing� project at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Dr Meelie Bordoloi Baruah from Chicago gave everyone goosebumps with her presentation of a Satriya dance and contemporary fusion dance.
The evening came to a close with everyone singing Manuhe Manuhor Babe (which has been adopted by AAMI as its anthem) followed by the State anthem O Mur Apunar Desh.
