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Bihu Celebrations in Kuwait

kuwait-rongali-bihu-2008.jpgThe Assamese community of Kuwait celebrated Rongali Bihu over two days, on 11th  and 18th April, 2008.

11th April, 2008

The first day’s event was held at the Al-Fintas Park, where the Assamese families gathered for outdoor fun and games activities. The members were welcomed with a plateful of different varieties of pithas, larus and other snacks prepared by the ladies. The bright sunny morning in this expansive park was a perfect setting for the members to relax and network, while the children played to their heart’s content.

The attraction of the morning was the innovative games devised by Ms. Mamoni Nath and Ms. Parimita Bora. The children played the hopping race, marble-on-spoon race, relay race, etc. There were lots of gifts for all children and everyone was a winner. The ladies played the target ball throwing game. The gents enjoyed a game of cricket.

Jalpan of doi, chira, kumal chaol, bora chaol, muri with gur and cream followed by puri-sabji was served. The homemade doi prepared by Pranita Devchoudhury was perfect to its taste. The program ended at 3 PM with sweet memories of bonhomie.

18th April, 2008

The venue of the second day’s celebration was the gorgeous hall of Kohinoor Restaurant in Fahaheel. The program started at 7:00 PM with lighting of the inaugural lamp by President of the Bihu Celebrations Committee Mr. Bikash Jyoti Gogoi and Secretary Mr. Hirendranath Rajkhowa which was followed by the President’s speech. Mr. Biresh Khaund took centre stage and set the program of events rolling. Ms. Bharati Sharma gave the introductory speech on Bihu, its significance and evolution. The opening event of the program was the chorus “Srimoyee Asomir” sung by ladies, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. The ladies again displayed their talent as they put up a scintillating performance of group Bihu dance. This team of ladies comprised of Mousumi Sharma, Masum Rajkhowa, Rupalima Bardalaye, Pranami Bhattacharya, Nilakshi Bora and Mamoni Nath. Daity Hazarika performed a modern dance. Assamese and Hindi solo and chorus songs were presented by Ronita Dutta, Anulupa Barooah, Dipika Kalita, Mousumi Sharma, Masum Rajkhowa, Nilakshi Bora, Bharati Sharma, Jeeta Khaund, Mamoni Gogoi, Anjali Rajkhowa, Anupam Rajkhowa, Jayanta Bardalaye, Pranami Bhattacharya and Aghore Bhattacharya.

Mr. Sauman Talukdar played the harmonica. Mr. Shyamal Barooah and Mr. Abhijit Sharma accompanied the singers on keyboard and guitar respectively to keep the audience spellbound.

The Rongali Bihu 2008 Bulletin “Jetuka” published by Mr. Dwaipayan Bora and Mr. Abhijit Sharma was released by the President Mr. Bikash Jyoti Gogoi, to mark the occasion. Mr. Anup Bora, Mr. Ashis Gohain and Mr. Saswata Nath contributed to the smooth organization of the function.

The children amply demonstrated their talents by performing recitation, Bihu dance, classical and modern ­dances, playing instrumental music and singing. Pummy, Mamta, Rabab, Tanaiya, Leenoy, Saurabh, Arnab, Angshuman, Kimkim, Sneha, Juhi, Jubi, Prachi, Ronit, Rimon, Kiki, Tanya, Runjun, Ruhi, Gargi, Urmi, Khushi and Upasana put up their best performances and it was a treat to watch them perform.

Ms. Hiranmoy Dutta, noted litterateur of Assam, commended the effort, and spoke about the Bihu of her times.

The cultural program came to an end with the Secretary Mr. Hirendranath Rajkhowa offering the vote of thanks. After the cultural program, the stage was declared open for “Mukoli Bihu” when adults and children sang and danced Bihu freely. About 100 persons attended this gala evening. As we remained engrossed in the program, we failed to notice that it was time for dinner. The sumptuous dinner arranged by Mr. Iqbal Hussain and Mr. Rajib Rajkhowa complete with a variety of fish, chicken, paneer, vegetable and sweet dishes prepared to Assamese taste was the grand finale to the celebration. The fish tenga specially cooked by Ms. Bonti Gohain and Ms. Bharati Sharma enhanced the Assamese flavor to the dinner.

As we returned home, a thought filled our minds – Can’t we have an extended Bihu celebration?

By Mr. Dwaipayan Bora, Publicity Convenor, Rongali Bihu Celebration Committee 2008, Kuwait