- Binapani Sarmah, Photograph by Sanjay Saikia
The Assamese community in North Eastern United States gathered to welcome the Assamese New Year at the Adlersgate UMC Church, on Ryders Lane, East Brunswick, New Jersey, on Saturday, April 17th, 2010. After a long bitter, harsh and cold winter, the weather was reasonably pleasant on the day of the celebration.
The day progressed with traditional snacks like chira and doi, laru, pitha and some other mouth watering food. The festivity started with hoisting the "Gamosa" to the melody of "Shreemoyi Axomir". Immediately after that a community elder, eloquently narrated the significance of Rongali Bihu to the crowd.
Around 3:30 all the people joined in playing a unique game - an open quiz on Assamese history. The adults were very excited to reminisce their past while participating in the game. The children were not far behind in joining the game either. Children also played several other traditional games. Games were followed by cultural programs showcasing the talents of young and adults who played musical instruments, sang various songs, and danced. Cultural program was concluded with a traditional Bihu Hosuri, followed by a Mukali Bihu. The cultural program lasted for several hours and enjoyed by all.
One of the unique features of this year's Rongali Bihu celebration was the Pitha and Laru competition. Several ladies from the community participated in the competition. Another distinctive feature was an essay and art competition for the children. Several children from the community participated and made the competition successful. Prizes, donated by several community members, were given away to winners of both pitha/laru competition and the art and essay competition. The event was attended by over 200 people from the Northeastern States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut, and as far away as Virginia. In addition, there were several guests from Assam who were visiting their families in the area. It was a great occasion for socializing as well as celebrating the culture and heritage of Assam and Assamese people. Everyone had a great time. While socializing, the adults not only caught up with friends that they may not have seen for a while or topics they have not discussed in a while, but they also did not forget to enjoy the quintessential Assamese 'tamulpan!' It was a truly Assamese gathering indeed! True to the spirit of Rongali Bihu, the cultural program was followed by a lavish and sumptuous dinner. All dishes served were prepared at home by community volunteers. Such dishes included mutton curry, chicken curry, fish curry (masor tenga), khar, bagena poora, saag and many more traditional dishes. Everyone who attended the festivities was thankful for the delectable authentic home cooked meal, something the community is proud of. In addition, there was a full assortment of desserts including payash, mithai, cake, and rasamalai. The 2010 Rongali Bihu was concluded with the attendees collectively singing O Mor Apunar Desh. As in the past, this year's Bihu celebration would not have been possible without the very dedicated and committed volunteers from the community. Their ardent spirit and dedication to preserve centuries old Assamese culture and heritage makes such community event a great success. Once again, the celebration of this year's Rongali Bihu provided the opportunity to the Assamese community in the NE USA to assemble and rejoice their culture and tradition. While wishing for happiness, harmony and peace for themselves, the North East Assamese community extended the wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year to everyone around the world.
