Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said positive change in the mindset of the people, especially among youths, augurs well for the state and will help the state to make “speedy progress” in the future.
“The youths are coming out in large numbers and making their presence felt. They have exhibited their prowess in various fields and brought laurels to the state,” Gogoi said after hoisting the flag on the occasion of ‘Rongali Bihu’ at Latshil Bihutoli here. Greeting the people of Assam on the occasion of Bihu celebrations, he wished for “peace, happiness and prosperity.”
“Bihu is the lifeline of Assamese culture. Bihu is keeping our culture and heritage alive and infusing in us a youthful fervour and freshness,” Gogoi said.
The Chief Minister said that the Bihu festivity has helped in spreading the messages of love, tolerance and brotherhood feelings among various communities.
“The festivity creates bonhomie and camaraderie among different communities. The festivity teaches us to love the environment… it is quintessentially all about a communion with nature,” he said.
“The Bihu festivity is not only joy and merriment but also reminds us of the tasks ahead vis-a-vis building a prosperous Assam,” he added.
On the occasion, Gogoi also released a souvenir and a documentary on the historic Latashil Bihutoli dating back to 1952.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister took part in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of New Guwahati Rongali Bihu Sanmilani at Bamunimaidan locality in the city. He also went to the Pub Narengi Rongali Bihu Utsav at Narengi.
Meanwhile, people across Assam celebrated Rongali Bihu, which also marks the advent of the Assamese New Year, with gaiety and fervour.
Various cultural functions were held across the state. In rural areas of Assam, people took out their cattle to rivers and water bodies and bathed them to mark the Goru Bihu.
Goru Bihu, which marks the beginning of Rongali Bihu, is dedicated to cattle and other domesticated animals.
Traditional songs, dance and merrymaking also marked the first day of the week-long Rongali Bihu which starts on the last day of the ‘Chot’ (the month of Chaitra) month, which is Sunday.
The actual celebration of the Rongali Bihu will start from Monday, which is also the first day of the Assamese New Year starting with the month of Bohag.
Assam Governor J.B. Patnaik also greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Rongali Bihu.
People and the Bihutolis (venues where Bihu programmes are organised) were seen organising traditional games of the state to celebrate Bihu in its true spirit. (Agencies)