GUWAHATI, April 13 � Notwithstanding the dry and dusty weather and the spiralling price rise, people are bracing up to celebrate the Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu � the biggest festival of the Assamese � which gets under way from tomorrow.
The first day of the Bohag Bihu � called Goru Bihu � will be celebrated tomorrow. It is an occasion dedicated to cattle, which is intrinsically linked to the State�s agrarian economy and rural life. Perhaps few other cultures boast of such a unique bond of love and affection between the cattle and their owner as exemplified by the occasion.
The morning is marked by the garlanding of cows with wreaths of vegetables, after which the animals are taken to ponds and rivers for bathing. People also fondly beat the animals with dighalati leaves (a plant with medicinal values) to ward off fleas and insects and sing, Lao kha bengena kha, bachare bachare barhi ja (eat bottle gourd and brinjal and be a robust animal).
The second day is known as Manuh Bihu, where the thrust is on merry-making and the general Bihu celebrations. The day begins with the young seeking the blessings of the elders in the morning. Hussori troupes visit households, especially in the rural areas, and present Bihu song and dance performances. Colourful Bihu functions start, which continue for several days. The day is also spent on visiting relatives and friends.
Meanwhile, along with the rest of the State, the city, too, has geared up for a grand celebration of the Bihu. Around 100 bihutolis (community Bihu pandals) have come up in various localities of the city � all of which will reverberate with the joyous Bihu spirit with three to four-day programmes. Besides the regular Bihu song-and-dance and hussori competitions, the organisers have roped in reputed artistes to perform in the functions. The events during the daytime include sports and literary contests among children.
The Mukoli Bihu, organised by the All Guwahati Students� Union (AGSU) at the Judges� Field every year, is scheduled for tomorrow.