Rongali Bihu preparations are in full swing in Assam despite coronavirus threat. The Bihu, one of the biggest festivals of Assam, marks the new year of Assamese society.

“Bihu is a great festival and there are lots of social engagements. Workshops on Bihu are being organised. Thousands are preparing for the occasion. The organisers too are gearing up. The people here expect a happy Bihu like every year and coronavirus will be controlled within these weeks,” Binanti Moran, a Bihu dance teacher, told this correspondent.

Over a thousand Bihu sanmilans are preparing for various cultural events to celebrate the festival which continues for at least a month.

People belonging to the Moran community too are preparing for the celebration of Rati Bihu in association with the Assam tourism department.

It will be held at Kakopathar in Tinsukia district of Upper Assam and the organisers hope for a coronavirus-free world soon.

“We expect good news in the days ahead and our jatiya utsava will be celebrated with pomp and gaiety,” Jay Krishna Moran, an organiser, said.

In Guwahati, more than 65 Bihu sanmilans will organise various programmes, including a Bihu dance competition and Mukoli Bihu, at Judges Field.

Apart from Guwahati, several Bihu sanmilans have been organising similar functions in Nagaon, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Darrang, Barpeta, Kamrup, Morigaon, Nalbari and Goalpara.

“Musical instruments like dhols and pepas are being ordered especially for the upcoming Bihu,” Purnima Ghosh , an owner of a shop of musical instruments, said.

“Life is manifestation of various arts. Festivals give us an opportunity to be happy. Our preparations are on for the celebrations. This year, we are planning to showcase cultures and traditions of different ethnic tribes of the state,” secretary, Bihu Udyapan Samiti, Jagatbari, Anmol Chetia, said.

This harvest festival of Assam spreads the message of peace through songs and dances.