For Kriti Sharma, this was meant to be a low-key Bihu. New city, new college, surrounded by strangers and with no immediate chance of travelling back home. She had made peace with this but then stumbled upon a Rongali Bihu gathering in the city, organised by ASOMI, an Assamese cultural group. It changed her mood instantly. “Attending the celebration felt like being at my house in Assam,” she said.
Dance and other cultural presentations were the highlights of the event (Photo Jignesh Mistry)
The Assamese community in the city is united by common traditions that were in full display at the recent Bihu celebration — cultural performances, food and more. Nimisha Bhagawati, a professor who experienced her first Bihu celebration in Pune this year, said, “It’s an important day for us. Even if it’s a small gathering, we ensure the spirit of the festival stays alive. It helps the community stay connected.”Culture, bonding and festive vibes
“Magh Bihu is about food, while Kongali Bihu is more somber and focused on prayers for a good harvest.”
Bihu celebrations run through the year with three celebrations. “The spring celebration is called Rongali Bihu because it’s all about spreading happiness, dancing and singing,” said Anamika Buhsan, a chef, adding, The Assamese community in Pune follows this calendar of celebrations but organises it differently.
“In April we celebrate Rongali Bihu, then again in January we have another event, and in between we organise cultural programmes like Sattriya, celebrating the dance forms of Assam,” said Dipankar Rabha, general secretary of ASOMI, adding, “We keep the community spirit alive with other cultural events, including a jugalbandi of Assamese and Bharatnatyam dancers.”
Rongali Bihu is a spring season and one of the three Bihu celebrations that happen in a year (Photo Jignesh Mistry)
What is Rongali Bihu?A spring celebration that also marks the Assamese New Year, Rongali Bihu takes place in April. The other two types are Kongali Bihu (October/ November) and Magh Bihu (January). Rongali Bihu is celebrated with music, dancing and feasting.
Guests at the celebrations (Photo Jignesh Mistry)
