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Assam Celebrates Rongali Bihu Amidst Election Fervor: Culture Meets Democracy

Assam is immersed in preparations for its premier cultural festival, Rongali Bihu, which coincides with the upcoming state assembly elections. A major Bihu dance workshop in Guwahati has attracted hundreds of participants, highlighting the community's dedication to preserving tradition. The festival, marking the Assamese New Year, begins on April 14, while the political battle for 126 seats unfolds simultaneously. Community leaders emphasize celebrating both the "festival of democracy" and the cherished cultural heritage.

Key Points: Rongali Bihu Festival in Assam Coincides with Assembly Elections

  • Rongali Bihu workshop with 500 participants
  • Festival runs from April 14
  • Coincides with Assam assembly polls
  • BJP seeks third term vs Congress
2 min read

Assam gears up for its largest cultural festival, Rongali Bihu, ahead of Assam polls

As Assam prepares for elections, the state gears up for Rongali Bihu, its largest cultural festival, with workshops and celebrations underway.

"Along with the election, we should preserve our culture. - Simanta Thakuria"

Guwahati, April 2

The festive fervour of Rongali Bihu has gripped different parts of Assam on Thursday, even as the state moves closer to the scheduled assembly elections. People of Assam are waiting to celebrate and participate in two biggest festivals, the festival of democracy and the festival of culture and heritage of Assam this month.

Bihu dance coach Dreemly Gogoi noted that, "people are excited to participate in both the biggest festivals - one is the festival of democracy, and another is the festival of culture and heritage of Assam. People have started preparations to celebrate Rongali Bihu, which is the biggest festival of Assam."

According to the Bihu Dance Coach in Guwahati, "a Bihu dance workshop has been organised at Chandmari field in the city, which was started from March 30. Nearly 500 boys and girls have participated in this workshop."

Simanta Thakuria, General Secretary of Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, told ANI that, along with the election, we should celebrate Bihu, and preparations are underway.

"This workshop has started from March 30, and it will continue till April 10. Nearly 500 participants, both boys and girls, have participated in this workshop. Election is a democratic process, and we all should participate in it. On the other hand, Bihu is our heart, and we should celebrate it every year. Along with the election, we should preserve our culture," Simanta Thakuria said.

The coaches and participants have expressed their happiness to participate in the Bihu workshop.

The Rongali Bihu l, marking the Assamese New Year and spring festival, will begin from April 14. Rongali Bihu, or Bibhag Bihu or Saat Bihu, is a traditional ethnic festival celebrated across Assam every year.

On the other hand, Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.

The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arun Y
Good to see such enthusiasm. However, I hope the political parties don't use the festival as a mere campaigning tool. The focus should remain on the pure celebration of Bihu and its traditions. Culture and elections should coexist, not be mixed.
R
Rohit P
500 participants in a Bihu workshop is fantastic! It's heartwarming to see the youth connecting with their roots. "Bihu is our heart" - Simanta Thakuria ji is absolutely right. This is how we preserve our diverse Indian heritage for future generations.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Assam last year, the energy during Bihu is incredible. The dances, the music, the food! It's wonderful that the election hasn't dampened the festive spirit. A great example of a mature democracy where life goes on.
V
Vikram M
The timing is interesting. Hope people remember to vote wisely amidst the celebrations. The festival of democracy is indeed the biggest. May the best party win for Assam's development. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
More power to the coaches and organizers! Teaching 500 boys and girls is no small feat. This is real nation-building - fostering cultural pride. Would love to see such workshops for other regional festivals across India too.

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