By Parulma Deka, Duluth, GA

The Atlanta Assamese community gathered together at the residence of Mrinali & Balaji Dometti on January 12th to celebrate Magh Bihu 2013. The festivities began with everyone collecting firewood to build the Meji.

After doing Agni Pranam to the Meji, we all enjoyed breakfast with garam saa, traditional salty and sweet snacks, different kinds of pithas and larus, and cheera doi.

The afternoon celebration continued outdoors in the Dometti’s backyard, with sunny, blue skies and temperature in the 70s. The scenery reminded us of Assamese villages back home. While the men were busy putting their cooking skills to the test with the goat meat, the ladies provided guidance and assistance with other dishes that included bengena pura, aloo pitika, salad, daal, and rice. The children also got to show their artistic talent by creating beautiful calendars for their families as New Year gifts. While waiting for the food to finish cooking, freshly grilled tandoori chicken was enjoyed by all.
The celebration ended with open stage bihu dance outside with the kids and the parents.

After spending the day relaxing and appreciating the beautiful weather, and eating such delicious food and enjoying one another's company, community members are all looking forward to the Bohag Bihu celebration in April.