HT Correspondent
DEMOW, April 12: The people of Demow and its surrounding areas have geared up to celebrate Rongali Bihu. The air of Demow is reverberating with the sound of the dhol, pepa, and gagana, accompanied by the sonorous sound of the cuckoo. With a few hours left for Rongali Bihu festivities to commence, people were seen thronging the markets in Demow to buy new clothes on Friday. Bihu dance and dhol badan workshops were organised in various places in Demow and its surrounding areas, where children took part enthusiastically. Women are busy making til pitha, tel pitha, coconut ladoo, and other traditional Bihu delicacies for Rongali Bihu. On the eve of Garu Bihu, people bought essential commodities required for Garu (Cow) Bihu. The clothes shops, grocery shops, and sweet shops in Demow were crowded with customers, and cars were parked along NH-37 Road in Demow on Friday.
Our Bureau adds: A mesmerising display of culture was seen on Friday at the Guwahati City Center through a captivating performance by 100 young artists animating the vibrant spirit of Bihu dance. The perfectly synchronised performance was set to the melodic rhythm of the Bihu special song ‘Sunrise Xoite Bihu Adorugoi Bola’, by ITC Sunrise Spices. Composed by renowned Assamese musician Bijay Shankar Das, the music video was created exclusively to celebrate the spirit of Bihu. Sung by Ritisha Sharma and Nitul Dadhora, it also features famous Assamese actor Madhusmita Dhihingya and the talented Neel Tamuly.
Simultaneously, AmritCem, a leading cement brand in the North East, took a momentous step towards inclusivity and diversity by orchestrating a Bihu celebration that showcased the incredible talents of children with disabilities from the local community.
The event, held on Friday at Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, Chandmari, was a testament to AmritCem’s commitment to providing opportunities for all individuals to express themselves and pursue their passions. Five children with disabilities, specially groomed by experienced choreographers sponsored by AmritCem, mesmerised the audience with their captivating dance performance.
Under the spotlight of a packed ground, the young dancers exuded confidence and grace as they took to the stage, delivering a performance that left the audience spellbound and deeply moved. Their stunning choreography, expressive movements, and infectious energy resonated with everyone present, transcending physical limitations and communicating universal emotions.
Commenting on the initiative, Pradeep Bagla, managing director of Amrit Cement Ltd, expressed immense pride in the young performers, emphasising their talent, hard work, and resilience. “Their performance tonight was not only a testament to their talent and hard work but also a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the unique gifts that each individual brings to the world,” he said.
Umang Bagla, director at Amrit Cement, echoed these sentiments, stating, “At Amrit Cement, we believe that diversity is strength and that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves and pursue their passions.”
In addition to providing a platform for these talented children to shine, AmritCem aims to promote inclusivity, equality, and accessibility in the arts. By showcasing the power of dance to transcend physical limitations and foster positive change, the event seeks to inspire a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and celebrated.