It was a day of celebration for the Assamese community living in Mumbai and in its adjoining areas on April 18, 2009. The national festival of Assam “Rongali Bihu” was celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety at Assam Bhawan, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
The celebration which drew attendance from all walks of life underwent with songs, dances, Jeng Bihu, and Hoosari. The day also marked the felicitation of Amrit Pritam Dutta, Sound Engineer of the Oscar movie Slumdog Millionaire, Debojit Thousen, Executive Member, North Cachar Hills Autonomus Council and Abhilash Phukan, Guitarist.
The evening started with the welcome address by Shyama Prasad Borthakur Vice President, The Assam Association, Mumbai, followed with the Banti Prajalan by Devasish Sharma, Dy.Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan, and Paban Kr.Kotoky, President, The Assam Association, Mumbai.
It came as a special day for the attendees as they were able to enjoy in one platform the traditional Bihu and the modern songs sung by luminaries like Gakul Das, Gakul Puri and Manmi Baruah. Other singers who also cast their magic on the audience were Anjana Saikia, Bharati Hazarika, Rajjyoti Konwar, Bedanta Rajkhowa and Ramen Goswami.
Group Bihu dance showcasing the “Bihoor Ananda” among children was performed by Prantika Das, Debanuj Borouah, Satarupa Saikia, Reshab Sharma, Bhargab Newar, Monali Sharma and Sargam Hazarika.
This ensued with the special performance by Shivani Sharma who enthralled the audience by her Bharat Natyam dance. The fabulous chorus was sung by Heera Saikia, Anjana Saikia, Anjali Handique, Indrani Borpujari, Dipali Newar, Deepali Gohain, Chinu Borgohain, Monalisa Duarah, Juri Duarah, Tripti Konwar, Doobari and Bornali.
A breath taking children dance, directed by Nitu Pegu, on the song “Tilai-Tilai” of Kolaguru Bishnu Rabha, was performed by Satarupa, Dikshita, Bhavana, Viona, Kritika and Prantika.
Finally, came the turn of the modern dance by Karishma Borpujari, disciple of Padmashree Pushpa Bhuyan, who presented a dance from the movie “36 China Town”.
One of the highlights of the evening was Jeng Bihu performed by Sreemoyee Mahila Samitee, and directed by Indrani Borpujari and Dipali Newar. The traditional folk dance of Assam was performed by Juri Dowerah, Monalisa Dowerah, Kakoli Saikia, Hira Saikia, Indrani Borpujari, Karishma Borpujari, Chinu Borgohain, Dipali Gohain, Dipali Newar and Tripti Konwar.
The entire programme was anchored by Nilakshi Phukan, a trained classical singer and stage performer of classical music at different places of Assam.
The Mumbai Rongali Bihu for the year 2009 ended at midnight of April 19, with the vote of thanks from Deepen Rajkonwar, General Secretary,The Assam Association, wishing everyone happy and prosperous new year and with a promise to meet again next year.
Bishnupriya Manipuri Online 