Vedajyoti Ozah of Houston, Texas, has embarked upon the - Posoowa

Rongali Bihu Celebration
in Phoenix, Arizona
Otikoi Senehor Bohagar Bihuti Napati Kenekoi Thaku
Rongali Bihu celebration has always
been the most awaited event for the
Assamese community and their
friends of Phoenix, Arizona. It was a nice
sunny early evening of April 18, 2009,
filled with a mild cool breeze in this “Valley
of the Sun” City. We gathered at Neon and
Ankita Talukdar’s residence for this
celebration with great enthusiasm. It
started with various games and quiz for
the little kids. While the Bihu songs and
music were filing the air, the
mouthwatering snacks enriched with sira
doi, narikolor pitha, tekeli pitha, and nimki
started bringing a Bohagi atmosphere of
Assam for us.
The cultural program followed this snack
time. It stared with the jatio sangeet “O
Mor Apunar Desh” and all time melodious
chorus “Asom Amar Rupahi”. These songs
were beautifully directed by Shamala Das.
Children including Brinda, Broto, Diya,
Neil, Sanmaan, and Sthuthi showed their
talents by singing, chanting slokas, and
12
performing comedy act. This was followed
by a dance recital by Nikita Bhuyan who
performed Meera Bhajan. Their
presentations drew great appreciation and
made all of us a very proud Assamese
community here. Egg fighting (Koni juz)
game was then arranged amongst the kids
that entertained all of us. All kids were
then awarded with gifts and certificates of
appreciation.
The sumptuous bihu bhoj, cooked and
contributed by every family, was prepared
to Assamese taste. Dishes like masor
tenga, chagoli maangso, bengena pitika,
lao bhaji, mahor dali, kofta, and dessert
like paayas and pera enhanced the
atmosphere with Assamese flavor. We
thanked all ladies (Ankita, Bobby, Korobee,
Poonam, Rachna, Rashmi, Sewali,
Shamala) as well as Chandan and Samar
who prepared all these delicious dishes.
The cultural program continued after
dinner. One of the most enjoyable
moments was during adult’s extempore act
where each of us was asked to present a
particular comic theme individually and
in couple. This innovative theme was
devised by Sewali Bhuyan. The cultural
night was then culminated with Hussori
and Mukoli Bihu dance. Everyone
participated in these programs by dancing
in group as well as in couple. This Rongali
Bihu celebration was concluded with
serving tea and then words of thanks and
blessings to everyone.
As we returned home in the middle of the
night to begin a new year, we were filled
with memories of this proud celebration.
We look forward to bringing more festive
moments like this in future.
Samar and Rashmi Bhuyan, Phoenix,
Arizona. Photos: Samar Bhuyan, Neon
Talukdar and Satish Reddy
POSOOWA May 2009