Rongali Bihu 2008, New York, New Jersey, USA

On the 19th of April 2008, a community hall in Bridgewater, New Jersey, was temporarily transformed into a “bihutoli” by the people from the tri-state area, gathered together to celebrate Rongali Bihu 2008. The community came together to welcome the New Year with the sights and sounds and traditions of Assam. The blooming “Nahar” (Indian Ironwood) from home may be replaced by dogwood and cherries here, the Brahmaputra by the Hudson, but the spirit of festivity that engulfs us all during this time is unmistakably Assamese.

 So while Bihu music filled the air in the venue, the snacks spread boasted of pithas, ladus and the uniquely Assamese “sira doi jalpaan”. The little girls draped in muga mekhela sador added to the festivities along with their elegantly dressed mothers. They were, in a way, the symbols of the groups of little kids back home who would come dancing and singing to every doorstep to bless the household with peace and prosperity. For the next eight hours the mundane daily life faded away as we were all transported back to Assam amidst varied cultural performances and games and the laughter and joy of reconnecting with our tradition along with friends.

The participants, children and adults alike enjoyed the array of games that were organized for this occasion. The special attraction of the cultural function was, among other items, the near flawless performance of traditional Assamese songs and dance by the children of our community. The children performers of the evening included Priya Sarma, Nandita Brahma, Deisha Brahma, Bishal Dutta, Ananda Saikia, Ajay Bordoloi, Anjali Bordoloi, Suranjana Thakuria, Shivani Hazarika, Devika Singh, Amit Sharma, Paulash Sarma, Varsha Sarma, Abhi Sarma, Rimjhim Handique, Arunav Sarma, Pongkhi Sarmah, Rishov Dutta, Meghna Sarmah and Anuj Dutta.

As the evening progressed the center stage belonged to the adult performers. Whether it was a creative modern dance, a traditional Bihu dance or popular songs from Assam that was being performed, these artists enthralled the audience with their dedicated and beautiful performances. On behalf of everyone present, Kamna Das of NY welcomed the hussori. The group’s solemn performance resonated with the traditional rhythm of village elders. The evening’s program ended with a vibrant Mukoli Bihu.

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers who went extra miles to prepare the authentic delicacies, the dinner was an immense success. The festivities of the evening ended with the rendition of the “Jatiyo Sangeet”. One hundred and fifty people attended the Bihu celebration. As always, this year’s Bihu celebration provided the Assamese community of NE America with a platform to demonstrate one more time our sincere love and gratitude for a culture and heritage that we are proud to call our own.

By Gayatree Siddhanta Sarma
Poughkeepsie, NY