Debojit Saha performs during a Bihu function at Judges Field in Guwahati. File picture

Voice of India Debojit Saha is ready to embark on his new musical journey this Rongali Bihu...

As you read this, Assam — like every other state — is getting into election mode with only a few days left for polling. For people like you and me, it is that time of the year when the biggest and the most colourful festival of the state is about to be celebrated.

I am sure that you all are ready to welcome the Assamese New Year and Rongali Bihu in the most befitting manner.

For me personally, Bohag Bihu this time holds a special significance. As you are already aware, I will be performing along with Jitul Sonowal, a very popular singer of Assam, under the banner of our joint venture Sursaptak Barak Brahmaputra Eksuree.

We will be performing across the state at Bihu pandals during the festive season and I am sure that this musical journey will strengthen the bond between the Brahmaputra and the Barak valleys like never before.

Jitul Sonowal, whom I call Jitulda, is a fabulous singer, credited with giving a new dimension to Assamese music before the new breed of singers came onto the scene. He is, for me, a path-breaker of sorts.

Our joint project has been welcomed by the people in the two valleys and I am sure that we will be able to live up to your expectations. Artistes have a social obligation and we are just trying to fulfil ours through the journey of amity and harmony.

I am practising very hard to perform Rabha Sangeet, Jyoti Sangeet, Goalporia lokageet and folk songs of different tribes and communities living in Assam. We also have plans to perform in different parts of the country and abroad but that will take some time. So I am concentrating on the job in hand.

I will be travelling to Canada within a very short time to perform in Ontario. I will be taking part in a musical programme organised by the Indian community there. I will write all about it once I am back.

Last week, I had a show in Hyderabad, my first performance in the city of Charminar. It is a beautiful city with an old-world charm and the people certainly know their music. My performance was held at a place called Public Garden and I was really surprised to find such a mammoth crowd.

My guru, Ismail Darbar, too, took part in the programme while Bollywood’s Shakti Kapoor provided comic relief. The entire show lasted for nearly three hours and I really enjoyed performing in front of such a big crowd.

Here’s wishing you all a very happy Rongali Bihu.