- Reported by Binapani Sarmah & Photographs by Arabinda Hazarika Borah

Assam's most significant and admired festival, Rongali Bihu which heralds the Assamese New Year, was celebrated by Assamese Community in the Northeast United States with pomp and gaiety. A generous crowd gathered to celebrate the spirit of Rongali Bihu in the Linwood Middle School, North Brunswick, New Jersey on April 14th 2012. The bihu was celebrated with lots of fun and fanfare.

The cultural program in this year’s bihu was dedicated to Assam's cultural icon and Sudhakantha Late Bhupen Hazarika, who passed away in November, 2011. The day proceeded with traditional and some nontraditional snacks consisting of chira-dai, pitha, laru, sweets, chole, samosa, donuts, etc. The celebration was inaugurated by hoisting the “Bihuwan” to the tune of “Sreemoyi Axomir.” The children and adults alike passionately enjoyed various games like musical chair, kooni jooj, etc. Rongali Bihu provides a platform to the talented young and adults of this area to showcase their talents and activities in diverse fields, such as musical performances, and art and essay competitions. Not surprisingly, the highlight of the festival was the varied cultural programs which included playing musical instruments, singing and dancing.

A Naagara Naam added a unique element of Assamese heritage to the cultural program. Additionally, an Assamese heritage and culture trivia was presented throughout the evening, which definitely enhanced the spirit of the audience.

This year’s most amazing exhibitions were flower arrangement competition, laru–pitha competition and the best traditional dress competition.

A sizeable group of people ardently participated in the competitions. Other two distinctive competitions were essay and art competitions for the children. The evening’s cultural program was ended with a traditional Bihu Hosuri which was followed by a Mukali Bihu. The enthusiastic Hosuri Party wished heartfelt prayer and blessings to the entire community. The dinner and dessert entries comprised all authentic Assamese delicacies in abundance. A bountiful and sumptuous dinner was arranged, including home cooked mutton curry, chicken curry, fish curry, bagena poora, motor poneer and many more traditional dishes. In addition, there was a full assortment of desserts including payash, mithai, cake, rasamalai, and ice cream. The food was prepared and served by many dedicated and diligent volunteers from the local Assamese community. Over 200 people from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and Massachusetts mingled, socialized, and caught up with various topics in the wonderful occasion. The Rongali Bihu was concluded with the community singing together “O Mor Apunar Desh”. The Assamese community of the Northeast United States conveys to you and your families - home and abroad, ablissful 'Rongali Bihu' and a very happy Assamese New Year.

Assam's most significant and admired festival, Rongali Bihu which heralds the Assamese New Year, was celebrated by Assamese Community in the Northeast United States with pomp and gaiety. A generous crowd gathered to celebrate the spirit of Rongali Bihu in the Linwood Middle School, North Brunswick, New Jersey on April 14th 2012. The bihu was celebrated with lots of fun and fanfare. The cultural program in this year’s bihu was dedicated to Assam's cultural icon and Sudhakantha Late Bhupen Hazarika, who passed away in November, 2011. 

The day proceeded with traditional and some nontraditional snacks consisting of chira-dai, pitha, laru, sweets, chole, samosa, donuts, etc. The celebration was inaugurated by hoisting the “Bihuwan” to the tune of “Sreemoyi Axomir.” The children and adults alike passionately enjoyed various games like musical chair, kooni jooj, etc. Rongali Bihu provides a platform to the talented young and adults of this area to showcase their talents and activities in diverse fields, such as musical performances, and art and essay competitions. Not surprisingly, the highlight of the festival was the varied cultural programs which included playing musical instruments, singing and dancing. A Naagara Naam added a unique element of Assamese heritage to the cultural program. Additionally, an Assamese heritage and culture trivia was presented throughout the evening, which definitely enhanced the spirit of the audience.