By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The pithas and laddoos are prepared to be doled out in the spirit of brotherhood as the Assamese community in Shillong is all set to celebrate Rongali Bihu from Friday.
Like in the preceding years, this year’s celebration too will be held at two places – at Shillong Vidyalaya field, Bishnupur and Assam Kristi Kendra, Dhankheti.
Organisers of the two Bihu festivities — The Shillong Central Rongali Bihu Committee and Meghalaya Rongali Bihu Sanmilan — have completed all the preparations for the three-day-long celebrations.
To start with, an all-community get-together will be held on Friday at both the venues where people cutting across caste, community and faith will be served with Assamese traditional delicacies like Pitha, laddo etc.
The Shillong Central Rongali Bihu Committee has decided to dedicate the Bihu stage in memory of Asom Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami.
It may be mentioned that both the legends had a deep Shillong connection.
Shillongore Godhuli – a song composed by Dr Hazarika in the late 1960’s, speaks of Shillong Peak, life of the indigenous people and much more with a special focus on love and romance.
Shillongore Monalisa Lyngdoh was another famous piece.
Dr Goswami, on the other hand, had studied in the prestigious Pine Mount School during her days in Shillong.
On the first day of Bihu celebrations, the Shillong Central Rongali Bihu Committee will felicitate 12 elderly (above 70) Assamese persons.
Artists from neighbouring Assam will be performing in the cultural shows.
Meanwhile, the Shillong Assamese Ladies Welfare Club on Thursday organized a get together at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Rongali Bihu.
Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary was felicitated with a traditional gamocha by Mrs Binu Hazarika, president of the Club.
Bihu songs, dances were presented on the occasion.
It may be mentioned that the word ‘Rongali’ is derived from ‘Rong’ which means happiness and celebrations. So this festival represent happiness of the society. This also is the biggest the festival in Assam and celebrated in every nook and corner of the State.