GUWAHATI, April 16 - Rongali Bihu, the biggest festival of Assam, was celebrated across the State with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm on Sunday and Monday even as the colourful Bihu programmes that started on April 14 are still continuing in most of the bihutolis of the State.
Rongali Bihu signifies the celebration of the unique bonding of man and nature, where celebrations span from agricultural fields to stage shows. In the rural and suburban Assam, Rongali Bihu is much more than just Bihu dance and stage functions.
On Sunday, people observed Goru Bihu by taking their cows to ponds and other water-bodies for their ritual bathing. The ritual is performed for the good health and long life of the cattle. Yesterday, Manuh Bihu was celebrated across the State with traditional fervour where the young seek blessings from elders in the morning. Community celebrations, Bihu dance, songs and husori performances marked the day.
In villages, husori troupes visited households to present their performances and celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner. In Guwahati, 100-odd bihutolis are celebrating the festival in a grand manner with specially designed cultural programmes, Bihu pageants, husori and sports competitions, etc.
A number of bihutolis here drew a huge crowd both on April 14 and 15. Young and old persons thronged the function venues, making the most of their Bihu holidays. Light drizzle on both the days created a perfect ambience for the Bihu enthusiasts.
Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani, Latasil, Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, AEI Field, Chandmari, Ulubari Bihu Sanmilan, Siv Mandir premises and few others were among the most crowded venues for the functions. Similar celebrations were held at Bharalumukh, Beltola, Panjabari, Rajgarh, Kharghuli, etc., where the bihutolis drew viewers in hordes.
A number of renowned singers would be performing at different Bihutolis here today and tomorrow. Such performances are eagerly awaited in the city, specially by the young crowd.
The All Guwahati Students� Union, like every year, organised a grand Mukoli Bihu on April 14 at the Judges� Field, where a number of eminent citizens from different fields took part with great enthusiasm. A number of eminent persons for their valuable contributions to the society were felicitated on the occasion. The students� body felicitated Dr Ilias Ali, Uddhab Bharali, Jagannath Bayan, Nurudding Ahmed, Partha Pratim Hazarika, Sananta Tanti, Purna Brama, Hima Das and Rima Das among others on the occasion.
A number of folk artistes from different parts of the State presented colourful cultural programmes on the occasion.
On April 16, Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani hosted a free multi-speciality health camp in association with Sathya Sai Alumni of Assam, Excel Care Hospital and other organisations.
Patients were given free medical consultation and free of cost medicines.
