Bihu and beyond
Anjana Bora
The Assamese community of Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin celebrates Rongali Bihu with a daylong celebration with sports, ethnic food and snacks during the day culminating in a colorful cultural function in the evening. It is a yearly gathering of Assamese families all around Texas to celebrate the Assamese New Year.
Keeping the traditions of our homeland alive, the day starts with the hoisting of the flag and singing and rendering of “Sreemoyi axomir” followed by fun-filled games for children and adults. Traditional snacks are served such as doi cera with gur, various kinds of pitha, laru, borphi, nimki, and khurma. The ‘Baby Bezbaruah Xuworoni Solonto Trophy’ to the winner of best pitha , is awarded every year in fond memory of Srimati Baby Bezbaruah, mother of Alpana B. Sarangapani , a longtime resident of Houston.
Bihu being a festival of merriment and rejoicing, everyone dresses up in their traditional best. The morning program is also graced by many visiting Parents of the Texas Assamese residents’ whose presence adds grace and elegance to the celebration. Towards the end of the day time program, certain individuals are recognized for their years of service to the Assamese community. Young Assamese school and college students receive awards for their excellence in academics.
The evening cultural program takes place in local Community halls. The ambience is created through creative display of traditional and hand woven artifacts and crafts. The entrance and the stage gets decorated with Japi, Gamosa , Xorai,and Bota . Dinner is served with sumptuous and savory dishes from homemade masor tenga, masor muror khar, aloo bengena pitika, dali, pakoras, tandoori chicken, ghoogni, fried rice, salads and much more.
As the evening sets in, the cultural extravaganza comes to its glittering swing. There is palpable gaiety among all present. Members from the community showcase their talents with cultural treats consisting of programs such as husori, chorus, ladies bihu dance, children’s’ group dance ,humorous skits, solo songs, classical and folk dances and the like. Dhols, pepas and taals reverberates alongside the beats of rejoicing hearts and minds. The Husori ends with Axirbad for all. The energy and enthusiasm dissipated throughout the hall comes to an end with boisterous outbreak of open bihu dances by all well past mid-night.
Rongali Bihu is a most delightful festival for every Assamese, more so for those who live far away from their mother-land . In upholding their traditions the community further strengthens their bonds ushering in positive energy, unity, love and prosperity among each other.
The Texas Rongali Bihu celebrated for the past 39 years turns out to be a day of great ambience and meaning. The Assamese community here are doing their best to preserve their glorious tradition and offer cultural education to their children born and raised in America. The celebration makes each of us realize why Bihu is such an important festival for every Assamese living in and outside of Assam.
anjanabora@hotmail.com
The Assamese community of Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin celebrates Rongali Bihu with a daylong celebration with sports, ethnic food and snacks during the day culminating in a colorful cultural function in the evening. It is a yearly gathering of Assamese families all around Texas to celebrate the Assamese New Year.
Keeping the traditions of our homeland alive, the day starts with the hoisting of the flag and singing and rendering of “Sreemoyi axomir” followed by fun-filled games for children and adults. Traditional snacks are served such as doi cera with gur, various kinds of pitha, laru, borphi, nimki, and khurma. The ‘Baby Bezbaruah Xuworoni Solonto Trophy’ to the winner of best pitha , is awarded every year in fond memory of Srimati Baby Bezbaruah, mother of Alpana B. Sarangapani , a longtime resident of Houston.
The evening cultural program takes place in local Community halls. The ambience is created through creative display of traditional and hand woven artifacts and crafts. The entrance and the stage gets decorated with Japi, Gamosa , Xorai,and Bota . Dinner is served with sumptuous and savory dishes from homemade masor tenga, masor muror khar, aloo bengena pitika, dali, pakoras, tandoori chicken, ghoogni, fried rice, salads and much more.
 |
| Assam Tribune April 9 2018 |
The Texas Rongali Bihu celebrated for the past 39 years turns out to be a day of great ambience and meaning. The Assamese community here are doing their best to preserve their glorious tradition and offer cultural education to their children born and raised in America. The celebration makes each of us realize why Bihu is such an important festival for every Assamese living in and outside of Assam.
anjanabora@hotmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment