GUWAHATI, June 10 � The Brihattar Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan Samannayrakshi Samiti, while voicing its concern over the controversies that have started plaguing the Rongali Bihu celebrations, has urged the people of the State to complete the celebrations by the 15th of the Assamese month of Bohag every year.
The Samiti said that while the agrarian festival transported onto stage has undergone changes in its presentation over the years, some of these changes were detrimental to the cultural space of the State.
�Earlier, Bihu presented on the stage had the original charm and appeal. But nowadays, this stage celebration has just been reduced to a cultural night,� said the Samiti, adding that to retain the originality of the tradition, all people, particularly the Bihu celebration committees, should make an effort not to extend the celebrations beyond the 15th of the month of Bohag.
The Samiti has also appealed to the artistes to adhere to a dress code that will reflect the tradition of the different communities of the State. On the other hand, it stressed the need of promotion of local culture during such celebrations.
�We also call upon all the Bihu celebration committees to ensure that no artiste gets on the stage in an intoxicated state,� it said.
The Samiti further said that in the days to come, it would decide the fee of the artistes after consultation with all the Bihu celebration committees.
The Samiti requested the corporate houses to refrain from celebrating the festival to further their personal agenda.
�We feel the Government, too, has some responsibility towards promoting this wonderful festival. We suggest the Government take steps to invite artistes and groups from other States during the festival,� the Samiti added.
