- Jeena Mahanta
On April 16, 2011, Rongali Bihu was concluded with much enthusiasm by the Texas Assamese community on the banks of the scenic Clear Lake. It seemed that the weather also cooperated with us with the clear blue sky and crispy air which lent energy to the sporting events. The day started with flag hoisting at 9:30 am by Satyajit Dutta. In keeping with the Texamese tradition, we sang “Sri Moyee Axomee” following the flag hoisting.

A moment of silence was observed in the memory of the late Binapani Deka (Dilip Deka’s mother) and Dr. Kamna Das (a very popular Assamese American) both of whom we lost recently. The morning events consisted of the picnic organized by the host community and a number of sporting events –for both children and adults.
Some of the most popular sports were: egg hunting for children, tug of war (participated by men, women, and children with equal enthusiasm), and musical chair – the ladies’ most favorite game. The young men were also seen playing cricket on the side and were reluctant to wrap up their game at the end of the day. A highlight of the picnic was also the Pitha Pona Competition where the best competitor is awarded the Baby Bezbaruah Running Trophy in honor of the late Baby Bezbaruah, Mala Sarangapani’s mother who was a proficient literature and an excellent cook.
The evening activities were held at the Bay Area Community Center – an elaborately equipped hall across the picnic area. The ladies and gentlemen worked hard to bring in an aura of our very dear Axom, by adorning the place with Japi, Xorai, Gamosa, Saki, Kopou Phul etc. The ladies took care to maintain the khati Axomiya flavor in the food by cooking some authentic dishes like khar, xaak bhaji, masor sorsori, bilahi diya tenga dail – to name a few. The evening activities started with a brief Sahitya Xobha session led by Rajen Barua. Every effort was made to involve the children in discussions that are meaningful to them. The cultural program showcased a multitude of budding talents among our children and adults. It was encouraging to see men, women, and children participate in the Husori and the one act play.
Behind our effort to hold these cultural events in a foreign land is the keen desire to help our children take pride in their culture and identity and develop a positive sense of self. Even though this may seem of little concern to the young adults, some day they will come back searching for their roots when it’s time to raise their own children. At least, this is what we are seeing now with the young Axomiya parents in Texas and it is heartwarming to observe this.