GUWAHATI, April 12 � April had not created so much confusion like this year. Everyone has been talking a lot about the don�ts that have to be followed strictly in the festive month of Bohag to avoid bad luck. With the rumour mills running high and affecting business of the small entrepreneurs, editor of the Assamese almanac Kalpurush, Pulin Chandra Dev Sarma today sought to clarify the doubts of the layman.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Sarma said that on account of two Amavashyas, the month of Bohag would be a mala mah, but as presented by a section of the media, the month does not entail observance of rules that come in conflict with culture.
�A rumour has been doing the rounds that people should not offer bihuan or wear new clothes in this month. Our religious texts have not said so,� said Sarma, adding that as per the religious texts, only a few rituals have to be avoided in this month and these rituals are marriage, upanayan, chura-karan, diksha, panchamrit, griha-arambha, griha prabesh and ratna dharan.
�The rumours have affected the business of our local unemployed youth who earn some money by selling bihuan at this time,� said Sarma, appealing to the people of the State not to heed to rumours and observe the Rongali Bihu with all the traditional merriment.
Publisher of the Kalpurush, Ranjit Saikia too has called upon the people not to give ear to rumours. Saikia said that a few quack astrologers were responsible for instilling fear in the people�s mind. �I have been receiving calls from panic stricken people from all the State asking me whether the water would get poisoned, and whether the population of snakes will increase and bite many people,� said Saikia expressing disgust.
Saikia has assured the people that no such thing is going to happen and has requested the people to enjoy the Rongali Bihu and the charm of spring like in the previous years.
