- By Minti Deka and Dr. Ankita Deka

 Photographs (Courtesy): Gautam Deori and Geeti Das

The Assamese community of greater Twin cities area (Minneapolis-St Paul) celebrated the much awaited Rongali Bihu with fun and festivities on April 14, 2012. The venue for the celebration was the much loved log cabin at Shakopee which has served as the community’s Bihutoli for the last six years. The preparations for the Bihu day were initiated several weeks ahead with weekend get togethers that featured practice sessions for kids and adults, feasting on traditional Assamese foods and singing and dancing to popular Assamese songs. On the day of the Bihu, community members arrived bright and early at the Bihutoli and assumed their respective tasks of organizing the day’s events. The clear blue skies, whispering winds, and soft blades of grass that gleamed in the sunshine set the right tone for the day long celebrations. The hall and stage were aesthetically decorated to reflect the cultural significance of Bihu in the lives of the community members. Purabi organized a small exhibition on Assamese society and culture that displayed works or art, literary pieces, music, artifacts, traditional dress and jewellery. The exhibition both symbolized and reinforced the richness and versatility of a culture that has withstood the ravages of time. The ladies in the community laid out a scrumptious breakfast with all the traditional goodies. Following the big breakfast, the cultural program for the day was inaugurated by a brief welcome speech by Dr. Sanjeev Bordoloi. We transitioned to the cultural events of the day by singing one of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s iconic compositions “Aah Aah Ulai Aah”as a Xomobeto Xangeet.

The sounds of this mind stirring melody reverberated through the otherwise serene setting of the Bihutoli. The emcees for the day were Nibir, Riyah and Ashmita and they displayed great energy and enthusiasm as they skillfully introduced items and presenters while keeping the audience engaged.

Atharv, Arhi, Saniyah, Diksha, Devarsh, Annie, Ruhi, Sangeet, Sabreen, Nimisha and Darsh – had a wonderful time performing three of Bhupen Hazarika’s gems. The rendition of the famous compositions “Biswa Bijoy Nojuan”, “Konhua Bon” and “We are in the same boat brother” with their cute actions awed the audience. Geeti and Minti had led a helping hand in teaching them the songs.

Then came the fun and delightful performance of the same group with “Tolou Khura” (Somesh) to the song “Baho’r Murha, Bogorir Gura, eta je asil Burha”, choreographed by Geeti. One of the highlights of the evening was a soul stirring performance by our upcoming stars – Sabriyah (on violin), Nibir (on keyboard) and Asmita (on cello). Among the star performances of the day was Nishan and Sabreen’s dance number that left everyone tapping their feet and cheering for more, Nibir and Samir’s magic show that mesmerized our little ones and elders alike, wonderful Assamese songs by Ayan and melodious keyboard recitals by Nimisha, Sangeet and Ruhi. Right after these wonderful performances by our talented kids it was time to go outside for our “Khel Dhemali”.

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