Guwahati: In a first for Rongali Bihu events in the city, the Brihattar Rukmini Nagar Rongali Bihu Sanmilan has organised felicitation of 21 Bihu Xomragyis of the state and a dance performance by them.

Bihu Xomragyi is a title given to the best Bihu dance performer in an individual contest held among Bihu Ranis. Latasil Bihu Sanmilan, one of the oldest Bihu cultural event organisers in the city, organises the Bihu Xomragyi contest every Rongali Bihu. Bihu Rani competitions are organised by Bihu committees across the state, providing a platform for young Bihu dancers to showcase their talents and earn recognition.

This is the 35th Rongali Bihu celebration by the Rukmini Nagar committee and 35 senior citizens will participate in hoisting the flag on the opening day, the organisers said. The events will be held at the Housing Colony in Dispur on Sunday and Monday.

Committee president Ranjit Gogoi told The Telegraph, "On the 35th year of the Rongali Bihu cultural programme organised by the Brihattar Rukmini Nagar Rongali Bihu Sanmilan, we have planned a slew of events. We will felicitate 21 past and present Bihu Xomragyis from across the state. They will also perform a Bihu dance. Several film and theatre artistes will participate in the function. In keeping with our tradition, we have invited veteran singer Dipen Baruah to perform on the second day. Acclaimed singer Nilakshi Neog and her group will also perform. Various traditional performances and competitions have been lined up to connect the new generation with our glorious culture."

The committee will also felicitate Sahitya Akademi award winner Jayanta Madhab Bora, he added.

Apart from the Bihu Rani competition, the sanmilan will hold state-level Jeng Bihu and Husori Bihu competitions, traditional games competition for the young and old and a modern dance contest.

Governor greets people: Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi greeted the people of Assam on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and Assamese New Year.

"Let this Bihu, which marks the advent of Assamese New Year, be the harbinger of a new dawn of warm and harmonious relationship and peace, prosperity and progress in the state," he said.

The governor hoped that Rongali Bihu celebrations would reinforce love and goodwill among all sections of people and strengthen the bonds of unity and bonhomie.