Anurag Kashyap in Guwahati
With spring knocking at the door, new leaves are sprouting on trees while the cuckoo's melodious voice is constantly sweetening the ears, it is time for celebration of Rongali Bihu (Spring Festival) in Assam.
The sound emanating from of the traditional dhol (drum) and other folk musical instruments is renting the air throughout the state, as all the ethnic communities have started the bihu celebrations in their own ways reflecting the diversity in the unity among all the communities in the state.
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IN PICS: Rongali Bihu begins in Assam
The Bard of the Brahmaputra, late Dr Bhupen Hazarika, has therefore, described Rongali Bihu as the lifeline of the greater Assamese nation, comprising all the ethnic groups.
The absence of Dr Hazarika in those Rongali Bihu is being felt by the people of Assam and all the Bihu celebrations organised in nook and corners of the state have made it a point to pay rich tribute to the cultural icon of northeast India, before beginning the celebrations. Dr Hazarika passed away on November 5 last year.
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IN PICS: Rongali Bihu begins in Assam
To showcase the colourful ethnic mosaic of the state, the All Assam Students' Union on Friday organised mega Bihu celebrations in the heart of the city at the historic Judges' Filed, where all the principal ethnic groups of the state took part.
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IN PICS: Rongali Bihu begins in Assam
Over 5,000 people thronged the venue to get seeped in the spirit of Rongali Bihu. Dancers and artistes from different ethnic groups presented themselves before the festival crowd in their best traditional wears and performed to their best to enthrall the gathering. The great weather too amplified the merry-making.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi too took time out his busy schedule to celebrate the festival with the people, along with his son Gaurav Gogoi. The chief minister danced and beat the drum with Bihu artistes at a Bihu celebration venue at Latasil playground in the city, to mark the beginning of the week-long celebration.
IN PICS: Rongali Bihu begins in Assam
Gogoi expressed his gratitude to the people of Assam for their help and cooperation in restoring a peaceful atmosphere in the state and said the spontaneous celebrations by the people reflected the restoration of normalcy in the state where militancy is on the wane.
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IN PICS: Rongali Bihu begins in Assam
Bihu songs and dance associated with Rongali Bihu give this Bihu the youthfulness and merriment that is an integral part of the celebrations and makes it the most-awaited festival for the greater Assamese community.
The folk songs associated with Bihu celebrations generally portray the longings of a youthful heart, who seeks glorification of his / her love, and woos the beloved with promises of eternal love and togetherness. The Bihu dance that accompany these songs are a celebration of youth and fertility.
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