Imphal, Apr. 23 (ANI): Dancing to the rhythm of the dhol, the Assamese people celebrated 'rongali' or 'bohag bihu' with great enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, the people in Manipur celebrated 'Saji Cheiraoba' to mark the New Year.
Rongali Bihu is the most significant festival of the Assamese people, which marks the advent of the New Year. It is the time to sow seeds and is greatly enjoyed by farmers. Women clad in traditional Bihu clothes along with men wearing Gamochas dance to folk tunes. During the festival they worship cattle in an age-old tradition to show their gratitude .
The first day of Bihu is called Goru Bihu. On this day the cows are taken out to the rivers, bathed and worshipped.
Shantanu, a villager, said:" On Rongali Bihu, we all unite and celebrate the day together. On this day we pray for a bumper harvest."
Bihu is incomplete without sweets. On the occasion, a special traditional cooking workshop was organized for girl students by the North East Girls association (NEGS). They were taught how to prepare traditional sweets like Rice cakes, Ladoos made from Coconut, Pithas and some other food items.
NEGSA General Secretary Mumni Bora said the people learn to prepare traditional sweets on the occasion.
"Bihu festival is very important in Assam. We are organizing this training to enable young girls to learn how to prepare traditional food items and sweets.," she said.
Meanwhile, the people of Manipur celebrated "Sajibu Cheiraoba" to mark the New Year. On the occasion, people offered vegetables and other food items to Gods, Goddesses and their ancestors.
A part of Cheiraoba tradition is that villagers climb up nearby hilltops (Cheiraoching) in the belief that it will enable them to rise to great heights in their worldly life, and be healthy in the coming year.
Rocky, a local here, said that the festival signifies peace, harmony and unity.
" Through this festival I want to appeal to all the people of Manipur to bring peace and development to the region," he added.
The festivals are a time for merrymaking for the people. They also hope that peace and prosperity will prevail in the region. (ANI)
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