Assamese Miss Home On Rongali Bihu

Hyderabad: Members of the Assamese community in Hyderabad marked Rongali Bihu with small gatherings and cultural activities, recreating traditions from their native state Assam, despite their limited numbers in the city.Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Bhavana Baiuh, a resident in Hyderabad, said, “Rongali Bihu is a spring festival, marking the start of the agricultural season. Over the seven days, it features traditional music, Bihu dance, and special foods. It is a vibrant celebration of culture, fertility, and community togetherness.” Participants said music, particularly songs by Zubeen Garg, formed a key part of informal celebrations, with friends gathering to sing and dance, recreating the festive atmosphere of Assam. Alankar Kaushik, faculty at English and Foreign Languages University, said, “At the University of Hyderabad, Bihu was never marked on a calendar; it arrived quietly, carried in our conversations, our cravings, and a shared longing for home. By late afternoon, a few of us would gather in a hostel room or a friend’s flat, improvising a celebration with whatever we could manage, homemade pitha, simple curries, and endless cups of tea. There was no grand planning, just an unspoken understanding that this evening belonged to us.” Priyashmits Choudhury said, “Growing up in Assam, Bihu never felt like just a festival; it felt like home. It was the sound of the dhol early in the morning, the smell of fresh pithas in the kitchen, and the house slowly filling up with people, laughter, and warmth… Bihu meant new beginnings, but more than that, it meant togetherness.” “It’s quieter. It’s not happening as it used to. There’s no sudden crowd of relatives, no loud music from nearby houses, no chaos that makes it feel alive. Here, it feels more like I’m following a tradition rather than living it. But I’m still trying. I try to recreate a piece of home in my own small way. For a moment, it does. But deep down, I know. it’s not the same. Because Bihu in Assam is not just about food or rituals, it’s about the vibe, the people, the energy you grow up with.”



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