Bihu Celebration at Pune

Assamese people residing in Pune witnessed a wonderful evening on 24th May 2014, with the celebration of Rongali Bihu at the beautiful and natural environment of Bombay Sappers. It was organized under the banner of newly formed Assamese Community Organization ASOMI. (Team Asomi’s 1st initiative)

Shri Sanjay Nahar, Founder and President, Sarhad was the chief guest on the occassion. Guest of honour was Shri Shashidhar Bhave, an NE enthusiast, whose visit to the NE and the subsequent publicity inspired more than 400 groups to visit the NE. Other guests who were present at the venue were Shri Prakash Oswal, Coordinator of Bharat Bharati since its inception, Shri Ashish Bhave, social activist in the NE for more than a decade, also the Joint Secretary of Lachit Borphukan Shourya Gaurav Samitee, Shri Anil Valsangkar, CEO, DES Trust, Shri Rock Lungleng, President, North East Association, Pune and Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe, Director, COEP, who was associated with NERIST and IIT, Guwahati.

Rongali Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam, celebrates the onset of the Assamese New Year (around April 15) and the coming of spring, inspired unbounded joy and enthusiasm, expressed through intoxicating songs and dances. It derives its name from Sanskrit Vishuvam when day and night are rendered equal through the vernal equinox. It concurs with the Assamesse New Year in April and corresponds to the month of Chaitra in the lunar calendar. People welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest.

The beautiful evening started with the Bonti Prajwalan. Honourable guests expressed their views and gratitude towards the people of Assam gathered for the programme, they spoke about the rich culture of Assam and friendship between people of Assam and Maharashtra. Guests were felicitated by traditionally rich Assamese Gamosha  and Xorai.

Beautiful celebration was garlanded by the songs of Putul Deuri and Dr.Pallab Saikia who made the crowd dance on their tunes of songs. Adhunik Geet by – Bishal Dutta. Beautiful Maidens performed bihu dance, on the love songs, with the electrifying performance, crowd could not stop their feet and started danced on the tunes and music of “Dhol”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bibhuti Sharma, President, ASOMI, said to have a stronger and concrete platform where, Assamese people residing in Pune can come together to build the community more stronger. Speaking to Assamtimes, Mr. Rajib Borkataki, said, ASOMI, the Assamese Community in Pune aims at connecting all the Assamese residents on a common platform.

Mr. Bhaskar Dutta, Treasurer, also played an vital role for the success of the event. The beautiful function was hosted by Mr. Rohan Gogoi. The ground was packed with all Assamese people and also overwhelming response from them. Hundreds of people gave their valuable presence to make the occasion more beautiful.

At the end, there was a cultural component to help people unwind followed by a lavish “BHOJ” dinner with various other delicacies.