Assam gets ready for Rongali Bihu

President, Vice President greet people Agencies GUWAHATI, APRIL 13 Assam is in a colorful and merry making mood to celebrate its most celebrated festival Bohag Bihu or Rangoli Bihu on April 14. Marked by joyous festivities and folk dances, Bohag Bihu brings together Assamese irrespective of caste and religion as a cultural festival seeking peace and prosperity for all including Assamese diaspora settle abroad. In Guwahati, huge pandals have been erected ahead of the festival for merrymaking, singing, dancing and relishing delicacies. The performing artists and dance groups are being hired to make celebrations joyous and memorable.In the rural and tribal Assam festivities will continue for a month since marks the beginning of new cultivation season. Village folks indulge in Bihu songs and sensuous dances to celebrate fertility. The young girls in the rural areas are ready with self-weaved bihuwans for their near and dear ones. The preparations of delicacies are on to be served on the much vaunted occasion of Bihu. Moreover, in rural areas, cows will be worshipped on April 14 followed by the Bihu festivities the next day. Assam's tourist department is promoting the festival to attract tourists to Guwahati by organizing fairs and festivals to provide the flavour of People of annual spring festival of Assam. The state has turned green and colorful with tender leaves on the trees and seasonal flowers in full bloom. Playing of traditional dhul, pepa, gogona and flute along with Bihu huchori dance can be witnessed at many places. The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings on the eve of Vishu, Rongali Bihu, Vaiskhadi, Puthandu Pirappu and Naba Barsha - the festivals celebrated in different parts of the country highlight the underlying unity of our rich and diverse culture. "May these festivals heralding the New Year strengthen the pluralistic heritage of our nation and bring with them hope and optimism for the future. May they inspire us to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of our nation," wished Mukherjee according to PIB release. Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has also greeted people of India on Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu, Masadi, Vaishkhadi and Bahag Bihu saying that may these festivals, which herald the commencement of the harvest season, shower peace, prosperity and happiness on all. Since Bihu is celebrated in the all parts of Assam irrespective of caste, creed and religion, it is seen as secular festival which conveys the message of humanity, peace and brotherhood among people.