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Magh Bihu Celebrations in New Delhi

Members of the Assam Association, Delhi celebrated Magh Bihu
festival with associated fervour on 18th January, 2004 Sunday at the
Central Secretariat Sports Grounds in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. It
was participated by a huge gathering, despite the biting cold wave and
the concurrent One Day International between India and Australia.
This is one celebration, everyone in Delhi looks forward to.

The most interesting part of the Delhi Magh bihu is uruka. The
association organizes food for about a thousand participants, which
needs to be prepared overnight. On the eve the hard working citizenry
gather around the bonfire and enjoy the heat rays. Grilled sweet
potatoes etc. make the rounds, while the chefs exhibit their culinary
skills to prepare, tenga mash, labra, kalia, murhi ghanta, bengena fry,
mutton curry etc.

In the morning the function started with the hoisting of the
association's flag. The air was filled with patriotic renderings of  "O
mor apunar desh"- literally meaning Oh! My own country- the national
song of Assam. The flag was hoisted by the Vice- President of the
Association, Dr. Ranjit Baruah. Next was the lighting of the "meji"-
the pyre made of firewood. Dr. Hemeswar Dihingia, the senior most
citizen present, lit the "meji" amidst the resounding "dhols" and
cymbals. Members of the Association prayed before the fire for the
well being of the people and a quick end to the biting cold. It was a
grand initiation of the gennext to the rich cultural heritage of Assam.

The newsletter of the Association Samayik was released by Dr. Rabin
Dev Choudhury, Director General of the National Museum. He
expressed happiness at the publication of the magazine  without a
break and hoped for its prosperity.

The day was also the annual sports day and a number of competitions
were being held like Children's Painting Competition, athletic events
for Boys, Girls, Ladies, Gents, Youth and elderly etc.

The tiring souls were treated to a gourmet lunch, which had all the
flavours of back home.

The day ended with a cultural programme, impromptu bihu dance
followed by tambola in the evening, finishing with evening tea.

- Contributed by Manoj Kumar Das, General Secretary, Assam
Association, Delhi, India