RONO HILLS, Apr 22: The 18th Rongali Bihu celebration of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) was held recently in the university’s auditorium with much fanfare and gaiety.
After paying floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha spoke about how Rongali Bihu continues to be “the lifeline of the socio-cultural life of the greater Assamese community.”
Registrar Prof T Riba highlighted how Rongali Bihu “has come to fill the vacuum in Rono Hills after Nyokum, Losar, Holi and Mopin celebrations.”
Prof Riba also sang a Bihu song and lauded “the close communion between the Assamese and Arunachalee communities.”
Rongilee Rono, the souvenir of the celebration committee, was also released on the occasion.
Xusori and Bihu dances were performed by the Assamese community of RGU, members of the RGU Assam Students’ Forum, and other invited troupes. Several other songs and dances celebrating the vibrant colours and diverse cultures of different communities were also presented.
A musical presentation by the students of the Bihpuria Blind School was the highlight of the programme.
The prizes for the painting and essay competitions held in the morning were also distributed.
Earlier in the morning, the Bihu flag was hoisted in front of the auditorium by Prof HN Sharma, the president of the celebration committee.
Prof Sharma highlighted the journey of the Bihu celebration at RGU, which started 18 years ago, and observed how it has “bridged the hills and the plains by celebrating different hues and colours of life, and the diversity among the different cultures.”
