Dancing together to the beat of dhol under the blue sky as the earth bursts into colour with the advent of spring may be somewhat out of tune this year. But as the spirit soars with the arrival of Rongali Bihu innovation cannot be far behind.
Anamika Production, a group engaged in music and social work at Dergaon in Upper Assam’s Golaghat
district, is planning to celebrate Bihu together from home.
The group is organising a Bihuwati (Bihu dance by girls) competition through their Facebook page, Anamika Production, for participants from 7-14 years and above 14 years in the upper category.
The competition is open to all those who can speak Assamese, across the globe, and will be held in three categories — Saru Bihuwati, Bar Bihuwati and Rangdhali Naboujani.
The participants need to upload a 5-minute dance video between April 15 and 25. Still pictures will have to be uploaded along with the video clip.
For Rangdhali Naboujani, a participant must also upload a still photo with her husband.
A team of maximum six members can use natural scenery as the background but must maintain social distance while dancing.
In all cases, the participants must be in traditional Assamese dress.
Rustam Bora of Anamika Production said altogether 30 best participants — 10 from each category — would be awarded attractive prizes. Selected participants will get a chance to act in full-length Assamese cinema, he added.
The state government has urged Bihu committees not to hold functions to maintain social distancing because of the coronavirus threat which has so far infected 29 people in the state. Senior police officials, including director-general of police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, took to twitter to convey the request.
Mahanta tweeted on Friday: “In view of #COVID19 outbreak & to keep everyone safe, may we request Bihu Committees across the State to please have an assembly of only five People only for hoisting the Flag. Hoisting may be restricted to 30 minutes #SocialDistancing be observed during the hoisting.”
Additional director-general of police (law and order) G.P. Singh tweeted: “Let this be a Bihu completely dedicated to the social good. Stay home save life. Celebrate at home. Keep society safe.”
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Saturday extended Rongali Bihu wishes to the people of Assam and asked everyone to fight Covid-19 collectively. “This time, the Bihu has to be celebrated inside the home, obeying the lockdown and social distancing,” he added.