Asom's oldest Bihu fairs to go the traditional way

Guwahati, Apr 13 (UNI) Come Sunday and Asom will dance to the rhythm of traditional dhols blend with the first blossoms of spring and the early drops of rain to welcome 'Bihu'.

Rhythms of the 'dhol' (traditional drums) and melodies of the 'pepa' and 'gogona' (traditional musical instruments) mixes with the blossoming of varieties of colourful orchids and the sweet voice of the cuckoo succinctly depicts the fervour of the Bihu, the biggest festival of the Asom, which starts on April 14.

However, under pressure of modern civilisation, the modes of the Bihu fairs, called 'Bihu Sanmilan's, have changed to a great extent, with the thrust being given more to modern revelry than the traditional emotions and originality. But the two oldest Bihu fairs of the state have planned it in a more conventional style, skipping modern treats and keeping the originality much alive.

Mr Dhiren Barua, one of the members of the organising committee of the Latasil Bihu Fair of Guwahati, the oldest in the state, said, ''Even though the budget of this year's fair is estimated at Rs 5 lakh, we have lined up traditional programmes, avoiding the modern glitz and glamour. Nearly 80 per cent of the programmes are strictly conventional.'' While state's latest sensations like singers Zubeen Garg and ZEE TV 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' winner Debojit Saha have been the most sought-after attractions of the audience, the Latasil Bihu Fair has made it more solemn and original by roping in traditional singers like Khagen Mahanta, Mrs Archana Mahanta and flute maestro Deepak Sarma.

The four-day Latasil Bihu Fair, which enters its 55th year this time, starts on April 14. The fair will be inaugurated by Muhir Rabha, a descendent of state's cultural icon late Bishnu Rabha, in presence of chief minister Tarun Gogoi and famous music director, composer, singer and lyricist Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

The 'dholian' circus, a performance by 30 drum experts, will be another attraction of the Latasil Bihu Fair.

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