Cultural unity on display as city celebrates Rongali Bihu

Guwahati: Brahmaputra Valley is alive with excitement as preparations for Rongali Bihu, Assam's most anticipated festival, reach their final stages. Communities across Guwahati are all set to welcome the vibrant celebrations starting Monday, blending traditional charm with a modern twist in the city's Bihu pandals, some of which boast hefty budgets this year.Grand celebrations are planned across neighbourhoods like Kharguli, Chandmari, Latasil, Birubari, and Beltola. Known for attracting thousands of visitors annually, these venues have allocated budgets ranging from Rs 10 lakh to as much as Rs 65 lakh for the festivities. Public donations have played a significant role in enhancing this year's celebrations, complemented by an additional Rs 1.5 lakh allocation from Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This financial boost has enabled committees, especially those managing smaller-scale events, to elevate their efforts for inclusive and memorable celebrations. Organising committees are pulling out all the stops with vibrant stage setups and cultural programmes that retain Assamese tradition while introducing contemporary elements. Simanta Thakuria, general secretary of the Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, which is marking its 64th year, revealed a budget of Rs 65 lakh for this year's events. "The celebrations will feature a mix of cultural folk dances, traditional dramas, and modern musical performances, including popular Assamese songs by Neel Akash," he said. The four-day event will also host competitions, showcasing local talent and participants from various districts. The Sanmilan also plans to recreate rural settings at the venue with installations that highlight traditional Assamese lifestyle and architecture, he said. "Many young people in urban areas are losing touch with their roots. We aim to bridge this gap and reconnect them with our heritage," said Thakuria.In Beltola, the Brihattar Beltola Bohagi Utsav Bangaon Udyapan Samittee, celebrating its 47th year, has earmarked Rs 35 lakh for the festivities. The celebrations will include cultural programmes and performances by popular artists like popular artists Zubeen Garg and Shankuraj Konwar. "We have planned activities such as tree plantations, drawing competitions for children, and traditional village sports to foster community participation and preserve rural customs," said Ranjan Rahang, general secretary of the committee. Similarly, the historic Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani at Latasil Field is entering its 74th year with a budget of Rs 18–20 lakh. The committee has lined up three days of traditional events such as ‘tekeli bhonga', ‘dhuliya nach', ‘bihu naam', and ‘soru khel', along with indigenous games that embody Assamese folk culture.Cultural troupes representing the Rabha, Mising, and Bodo communities will perform, offering attendees a glimpse into Assam's diverse ethnic heritage. "We are also organising marathon and cycling events alongside a clothes distribution drive to share the spirit of Bihu with those in need," said Nilupam Das, a committee member.

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