Guwahati: The anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) today called for celebrations of Rangali Bihu, the most popular spring festival in Assam celebrated for a week from mid-April, with traditional ethos and characteristics so as to hold the rich culture of Assamese people in high esteem.
In a statement e-mailed to the media here, the ULFA called upon Rangali Bihu celebration organisations and all artistes in Assam to refrain from facilitating showcasing of outside culture including singing of Hindi movie songs as part of Bihu celebrations throughout the state.
The ULFA stated that its stand on maintaining the traditional colour and characters of Rangali Bihu would remain unchanged in the greater interest of protection of specific identity of Assamese people and their culture.
It said showcasing of alien culture and performing Hindi songs was not in tune with the spirit of Rangali Bihu as it would provide people from outside an opportunity to look down upon on Bihu.
Rangali Bihu is celebrated throughout the agrarian society in Assam by not only Assamese speaking community but also all tribes with their characteristic ethnic traditions.
This festival holds the key to strengthening the traditional bonding among different communities in the state.
However, Bihu celebrations have now come onto to the stage in mega scale as a form of seasonal entertainment where top-notch performing artistes including Bihu dancers, singer are invited and paid by numerous Bihu celebration committees in the State.