Bihu committees should take steps to protect originality of Bihu, says prominent journalist Nitumoni Saikia

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The celebration of Rongali Bihu, the lifeline of the Assamese community, continues across the Lakhimpur district with pomp and gaiety. From Wednesday, the 64th celebration of the festival by Ghilamora Kendriya Rongali Bihu Sanmilan kick-started at Ghilamora Ranga Mancha in an enthusiastic environment.

The agenda of the three-day long celebration began with hoisting of 64 flags by the organizing committee president and prominent persons of Ghilamora. It was followed by the smriti tarpan programme and a series of competitions on traditional games.

Around 11:30 am, a cultural rally was taken out as a part of the event. The 2-km-long cultural rally which showcased the colourful culture of almost all the ethnic tribes and communities of the State, managed to enthral the public. The cultural rally was inaugurated by prominent journalist Nitumoni Saikia.

Addressing the public, Saikia briefly highlighted the cultural heritage of the State. “Each of the three Bihus that the Assamese people celebrate, has unique characteristics and they carry the cultural heritage and resources of Assam. The Bihu committees should take steps to protect the originality of the Bihu.

I think, the celebration of the Rongali Bihu should be concluded within the first seven days of the month of Bohag,” Saikia added. He hailed the State Government’s call to complete the Rongali Bihu celebration within the month of Bohag.

After the cultural rally, the students of Ghilamora Sankardev Sishu/Bidya Niketan presented a cultural item which manifested ‘Unity in Diversity’. Then the invited cultural groups representing the ethnic tribes, such as Tiwa, Hajong, Deuri, Nepali, Mising etc. presented their native folk dances. It was followed by a series of competitions on Bihu performance by teenagers, dhol-badan, Saru Bihuwoti etc.