MUMBAI: The land of India encapsulates 29 states and its cultures. April, which is the month of Vaishak, according to Indian calendar, marks New Year of almost every state in the country. While we celebrated Gudi Padwa and Ugadi last week, this week marks New Year of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab and Assam.
Bihu, a festival celebrated widely in the beautiful state of Assam, is also a representative of its rich culture. Bihu is celebrated thrice a year and each one of them has its specific songs. The festival of Bihu is non-religious and celebrates the different seasons of farming through songs, which also speaks about the mother nature. We all are aware of the signature Bihu dance steps but Bihu songs are an integral part of the Assamese culture. As Rongali Bihu spans over seven days, almost each courtyard in Assam or Assamese home will echo with these tuneful Bihu numbers.
A book released during the pre-independence period, is dedicated solely to Bihu songs of Assam and covers over 132 songs of Bihu. However, the book is almost six decade old and would be updated with many more now. Besides, the Bihu Sangeet has given some gems of music to the music industry.
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Khagen Mahanta, father of Bollywood singer Papon, is known as the Bihu Sangeet Samarat. He was known for his Bihu songs, Borgeets and Folk music, in general. in Assam. Although he passed away in 2014, he has left a rich legacy of his music for Indians. Papon, too, has sung some folk music numbers of Assam. While wishing everyone a happy Bihu, the singer also tweeted about missing home during this period as he is away from the country at this point.
Feeling bit homesick staying thousands of miles, across seven seas from home, family & friend on Bihu. Wishing everyone lots of love & warmth on this day of #RongaliBihu & Assamese New Year!Also wishing a very very happy Bishu, Boishak & Baisakhi to everyone across the world.pic.twitter.com/xsyiYwbqgF
— papon angaraag (@paponmusic) April 14, 2019
Today, Zubeen Garg is a name to reckon with for Bihu Songs. Zubeen is known to hold a special place among the youngsters of India. His duets with another noted singer of Assam Barnali Kalita are extremely popular among the youngsters. One of their songs often played at Bihu festivals, Jibon Kosu Pator Pani (Life is like the water of colocasia leaves) is a massive hit and has garnered over 396k views on YouTube.
Here’s wishing everyone a happy, vibrant and musical Rongoli Bihu!
