Bihu revellers soak in festivities

GUWAHATI, April 13: Intermittent showers since the morning failed to wash away the colours of Rongali Bihu as revellers soaked in the festive ambience at Bihutolis across this capital city. By the time the rain started, the customary flag-hoisting and swahid tarpan (homage to martyrs) at various Bihutolis was over. A large number of people dressed in their festive best attended the inaugural functions. At the historical Latasil playground, where the Guwahati Bihu sanmilani is celebrating its golden jubilee, Bhupen Hazarika was the guest of honour. The poet-singer-filmmaker was supposed to lead a procession to the Latasil playground atop a regally-decorated elephant, but a last-minute hitch forced him to do the honours on foot. Apparently unnerved by the high-decibel sound of dhols and khols (both traditional drums), the elephant refused to budge. Addressing the gathering, Hazarika recalled his long association with the Latasil Bihutoli. He termed the Bihutoli as the "launching pad of many a star". The Guwahati Bihu sanmilani conferred the title of "Luit Ratna" on Hazarika for his contribution to art and culture. Humble as ever, he reciprocated the gesture by saying, "I am a small man and indebted to the people for showering me with their love and blessings." He said peace had returned to the state, and the people were coming out without fear to participate in the festivities. Judges' Field was another Bihu venue that attracted a large crowd. The cultural heritage of the Northeast was showcased at the open-air Bihu function organised by the All-Assam Students' Union. Assamese film personalities Moloya Goswami, Biju Phukan, Chetana Das and Dinesh Das brought the Bihutolis alive by dancing to the accompaniment of the dhol and pepa. Prominent student leaders, too, let their hair down. Rain brought an abrupt end to the programme. The performers as well as the audience ran for cover when the sky opened up. The weather looked up towards evening, bringing out the crowds again. Thousands of revellers made a beeline for the Bihutolis where some of Assam's finest artistes performed. The singers invited to various Bihutolis include Khagen Mahanta, Archana Mahanta, Zubeen Garg and Kumar Bhabesh. The star attraction is, however, Bhupen Hazarika. He will perform at the Guwahati Bihu sanmilani. Creating Bihu history, the Pub-Guwahati Bihu sanmilani at Chandmari is "webcasting" its programme live on the Internet. The programme can be seen at "vedanti.com". Apart from cultural programmes, various traditional sporting events and pitha-making competitions have been organised at the Bihutolis . But life has not been easy for the organisers, particularly due to the slush at the Bihutolis. With the weatherman forecasting more showers in the next few days, organisers fear people might steer clear .