GUWAHATI, May 2 - APWA, a registered organisation of the people of Assam, presently residing in the Trans-Yamuna (East) areas of Delhi-NCR, celebrated the third Rongali Bihu festival on April 23 last at the RWA Community Centre, Sector-51(A & B block), Noida with pomp and grandeur. This was stated in a press release received
here today.
The programmed began in the afternoon with the Bihuwati competition. A total of ten candidates took part in the competition, out of which the three best dancers were selected for the prize-money.
The main cultural function began in the evening with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by a few invited dignitaries. The president of the organisation, Romen Dutta addressed the gathering. He gave an account of the different activities done by the Association. He stated that in addition to the work of spreading the rich and varied Assamese culture and traditions outside Assam, it is also taking up different welfare activities for the benefit of the people of NE in general. He also informed that the APWA has established itself as the biggest platform of the people from Assam in the trans-Yamuna region for interaction and bonding and has been building a bridge with other people of the region.
A souvenir published to commemorate the Rongali Bihu festival was inaugurated by Apurba Kumar Sarma, a member of the Press Council of India.
The cultural programme began with a chorus by the lady members of the Association. Thereafter, the children of the members performed a variety of dances, including a Bihu dance, a Satriya dance and a folk dance based on a song written by Late Jyoti Prasad Aggarwala, the doyen of Assamese art and culture. All the dances were beautifully choreographed by Preetilekha Chaudhury. Then the prizes of the Bihuwati competition were distributed by Atul Bodo, Director, DoNER Ministry. It was followed by a Bihu hussori. The reverberating sound of dhols instilled the true Bihu spirit among the audience.
Then Priyanka Bharali, a famous singer from the State took over the stage. She entertained the audience with her choicest numbers. The cultural evening came to end with the invocation of the national anthem of Assam, O Mor Aponar Desh. Manish Goswami, secretary, APWA offered the vote of thanks at the end. The whole programme was ably anchored by Robin Kalita.
The attraction of the evening was arrangement of the mouth-watering Assamese and North Indian food at the venue.
