The festive spirit of Rongali Bihu has engulfed Assam, coinciding with the state's assembly elections. Residents are eagerly preparing for both the 'festival of democracy' and the 'festival of culture', with Bihu workshops drawing large crowds.
The festive fervour of Rongali Bihu has gripped different parts of Assam on Thursday, even as the state moves closer to the scheduled assembly elections. People of Assam are waiting to celebrate and participate in two biggest festivals, the festival of democracy and the festival of culture and heritage of Assam this month.
Bihu Preparations in Full Swing
Bihu dance coach Dreemly Gogoi noted that, "people are excited to participate in both the biggest festivals - one is the festival of democracy, and another is the festival of culture and heritage of Assam. People have started preparations to celebrate Rongali Bihu, which is the biggest festival of Assam."
According to the Bihu Dance Coach in Guwahati, "a Bihu dance workshop has been organised at Chandmari field in the city, which was started from March 30. Nearly 500 boys and girls have participated in this workshop."
Simanta Thakuria, General Secretary of Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, told ANI that, along with the election, we should celebrate Bihu, and preparations are underway. "This workshop has started from March 30, and it will continue till April 10. Nearly 500 participants, both boys and girls, have participated in this workshop. Election is a democratic process, and we all should participate in it. On the other hand, Bihu is our heart, and we should celebrate it every year. Along with the election, we should preserve our culture," Simanta Thakuria said.
The coaches and participants have expressed their happiness to participate in the Bihu workshop.
Rongali Bihu: The Assamese New Year
The Rongali Bihu l, marking the Assamese New Year and spring festival, will begin from April 14. Rongali Bihu, or Bibhag Bihu or Saat Bihu, is a traditional ethnic festival celebrated across Assam every year.
The Festival of Democracy: Assembly Elections
On the other hand, Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)