Guwahati: The capital city is gearing up for Rongali Bihu with Bihu committees here spending anything between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh to host functions celebrating the annual festivities from April 14 in their areas. The funds are mainly generated through donations and sponsorships.
"We are ready to celebrate Bihu. Pandal preparation is in its final stages. This time a budget of around Rs 25 lakh has been planned for a wide range of programmes. Focus will be mainly on traditional culture of Assam," president of the Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani - where the oldest Bihu programme is held every year on Latasil field - Kailash Sarma said.
This Bihu programme will be held from April 14 to April 17 and showcase artistes from across the Northeast. Moreover, Bihu Kuwari, Bihu Rani and Bihu Samraggi competitions will be some of their main attractions.
Another mega stage Bihu programme, East Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani, held every year on the Assam Engineering Institute playground, will be held from April 14 to April 18. It will showcase stage performances by popular playback singers of the state, along with songs of Holi geet and Bhortal.
"We planned a budget of Rs 18 lakh this time. This time we have not invited glamorous singers because of their high rate," general secretary of the organising committee Deep Jyoti Mishra said.
Noonmati Bihu Sanmilani, another organisation that celebrates mega Bihu shows on the big stage in the eastern part of the city, will hold festivities from April 14 to April 18 with an estimated budget of Rs 25 lakh. "This time, the budget has increased by around Rs 3 lakh. The number of days for the celebration, too, has been increased by a day. Already we have organised a workshop on Bihu dance where children participated in large numbers," a member of the organising committee said.
"West Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani is going to organise its 64th edition of Bihu festival this year with an estimated budget of around Rs 16 lakh," Karendra Kalita, president of the organising committee said.
The programme will be held at Sonaram High School playground in the Bharalumukh area of the city.
