Old-age homes prepare to celebrate in traditional & inclusive manner

Guwahati: As Bhogali Bihu approaches, old-age homes across Guwahati have started preparations for the harvest festival to ensure that the inmates can celebrate in a traditional and inclusive manner.The shelter homes are planning to mark ‘Uruka’, scheduled on Tuesday, with customary celebrations and community feasts, followed by the lighting of ‘mejis’ on the festive day.Members of the old age homes said preparations are underway to recreate a warm, family-like setting for the elderly inmates, many of whom have limited contact with their families. They also said kitchens at several shelter homes have already stocked up on essential ingredients such as rice flour, sesame seeds, jaggery and bamboo tubes, which are required for preparing the traditional Bihu delicacies. In some homes, the inmates are also being encouraged to take part in the preparations.“During Bihu, we have this tradition of celebrating with the elderly inmates. They look forward to it, as it brings them memories of their homes and villages. They have gathered together to prepare the delicacies like ‘pithas’ (rice cake), ‘narikol’or laru’ (coconut dumpling), ‘sunga pitha’ (bamboo tube cakes) and more. Planning the celebrations together gives them a sense of purpose and belonging,” Jyotika Devi, an employee of a private old-age home, said.Monica Sharma, another employee of a city-based private old-age home, said there will be small cultural programmes and casual interactions among the inmates.As they prepare for the festival, the efforts of these the old-age homes to uphold tradition show their inclusive spirit by ensuring that the elderly are also part of it with dignity and joy.