Assam celebrated Assamese New Year and Rangali Bihu with traditional fervour and enthusiasm on April 15. People across the state celebrated the special occasion by wearing traditional attire and greeting each other. There was a wish for happiness, harmony and prosperity all around. Folk songs and drum beats reverberated in every household and Bihu dances added life to the festivities.
Chief Minister and Governor gave best wishes
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya also extended warm greetings of Bihu and New Year to the people. Governor Acharya wrote on social media, “My heartfelt greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Rangali Bihu and Assamese New Year. May this festival further strengthen our tradition of peace and give happiness and prosperity to all.” Chief Minister Sarma also posted on Instagram and wished for the cultural energy and development of Assam. He wrote, “Today, from Kamakhya to Kachakanti, the people of Assam are welcoming the New Year. Our government is committed to making Assam one of the top 5 states of India and the welfare of every citizen.”
The festival started with cows, the sweetness of human relations resonated
Rangali Bihu began on Monday with ‘Garu Bihu’ in which cattle that help in agricultural work were honored. After this, on ‘Manuh Bihu’ i.e. the first day of the month of Bohag, people hugged each other and greeted each other and started new relationships. This week is especially dedicated to nature and human relations where every aspect of life is celebrated with simplicity and reverence.
The whole state reverberated with Bihu songs and dances
Traditional songs and dances have special significance during Bihu. Groups of young people called ‘Husori’ go from house to house dancing and blessing people. In Sivasagar, which was once the capital of the Ahom dynasty, artists enthralled the audience with cultural performances in the world famous Rangghar courtyard. Cultural programs, folk dances and music in open fields throughout Assam created a joyous atmosphere. In every village, people together celebrated Bihu as a confluence of nature and culture.
