Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 2 (HBTV): The festive fervor of Rongali Bihu has gripped different parts of Assam on Thursday, even as the state moves closer to the scheduled Assembly elections. People across the state are preparing to celebrate both the festival of democracy and the festival of culture and heritage this month.
Bihu dance coach Dreemly Gogoi said, '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, starting from March 30, with nearly 500 boys and girls participating.
Simanta Thakuria, General Secretary of Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, said preparations are underway alongside the election process.
He said, '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.'
Coaches and participants have expressed happiness at taking part in the Bihu workshop.
Rongali Bihu, marking the Assamese New Year and spring festival, will begin on April 14. Also known as Bihu, Bohag Bihu or Saat Bihu, it is a traditional ethnic festival celebrated across Assam every year.
Meanwhile, Assam is set to witness a contest between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and the Congress for the 126-seat Assembly.
The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is aiming to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress seeks to return to power. (ANI)