If we had no winter, spring would not be so pleasant..." goes a famous saying. This cannot be more apt for us living in the north star state of Minnesota, home of the Mississippi river. It is that time of the year when you feel like "whistling even when your shoes are in slush". But fortunately this time the slush and the snow was long gone and spring has sprung in its most sweetest way.With this the Assamese community of Minneapolis and St.Paul have celebrated the soul of our springtime festival with traditional exuberance and festivity. It is heartening to see the Assamese community growing with every passing year and this time too we had a few new families adding to the fun to the bihu celebrations. It was held on the 15th April 2006 at the 'Pointe' downtown St.Paul ( residence of Geeti and Prantor Bora). The renditioning of Sree Moi Oxomee by the ladies started our day long bihu celebrations. This was followed by a dazzling cultural fare which included bihugeets, lokageets, modern assamese songs and dances.- thanks Meghna, Devika, Minti, Nilanjona, Namita, Parvez, Pranabfor your wonderful contributions. The husori and the mukoli bihu saw the partciaption from all our enthusiatic souls. Our young talents also enthralled us with their keyboard and flute recitals. Meghna, Devika, Ashmita and Sabriyah- way to go!!. The delightful and traditional bihu treats like pitha, laru, doi, sira and of course the sumptuous lunch made us indulge to our hearts content. Thanks to the ladies for preparing all the appetizing assamese dishes.
The outdoor games were the crowning glory in terms of fun and joy. The marble in a spoon race, the tug of war and three legged race brought peals of laughter and was enjoyed by all. The kids ( needless to say the adults too!) played the marble in the spoon race again and again as everybody wanted to be the winner and most importantly wanted the marble too (which was replaced by chocolate malt balls!)
With all the games, fun, food and music the day came to an end . As we were heading home after the fun filled day our five year old daughter said " I want Bihu to come again soon". Yes indeed, we too anticipate with fondness for the next year's bihu and that it comes soon for us to indulge in the revelry.
By Sabina Zeenat, MN
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