NAGAON, Jan 16 - The Bhogali Bihu programme organised at Nehrubali here observed its 105th anniversary this year.
Nagaon, it may be mentioned, has an age-old tradition of celebrating Bhogali Bihu as a community festival.
The Bihu function at Nehrubali this year started with hoisting of the flag by the organisation�s president, i.e., by dramatist and former president of Nagaon Zila Sahitya Sabha Dr Dilip Borooah in the presence of working president-cum-Nagaon MLA Rupok Sarma.
A number of dignitaries, including scholar Dr Naren Kalita, newly elected general secretary of Asam Sahitya Sabha Padum Rajkhowa, president of Nagaon Natya Sanmilan JN Khound, renowned businessman Bharat Chandra Goswami, social worker Dhanpat Gherawat and others were felicitated at the function.
As a part of the itinerary, a cultural procession was taken out which marched through the main thoroughfares of the town on January 15. During the celebration of Bihu from January 13 to 17, a number of competitions were organised. A toy train made available by the Indian Railways attracted children and others at Nehrubali.
Meanwhile, a Preeti Sanmilan associated with the Nagaon Bhogali Bihu programme will be held on January 17 where academician Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury, writer Dr Nanda Singh Borkola and actor Pranjal Saikia, besides chief patron Rajen Gohain will grace the occasion. A souvenir also will be released to mark the occasion.
In the meantime, along with several other organisations, Nagaon Kala Mandir too observed Bhogali Bihu with burning of meji, which was formally initiated by the adviser of Nagaon Kala Mandir Lalit Chandra Dutta.
In his address, Dutta explained about the various traditions associated with celebration of Bihu while borrowing from the pages of history. At the outset, president Luit Kumar Bora and secretary Saurav Bora welcomed the guests.
Yet, another local organisation named Karunamoyee Achani too organised a function titled �Bhogalir Ehaaz� on the eve of Uruka and distributed food packets among almost 100 needy persons.
A function on the occasion was chaired by Dr Basanta Saikia. Ranjit Kumar Tamuly Phukan, Kunja Bhuyan, Deben Hazarika, Nijara Saikia, Jina Borooah Saikia, Jadav Saikia, Suchil Kumar Saikia, Dr Roselin Jahan and others graced the occasion. At the beginning, secretary Babul Bora explained the significance of the programme.
