Assam: Octogenarian couple observe 'Manuh Bihu' in Bongaigaon, embrace love and tradition by presenting 'Bihuwan'

In the heart of Assam, amidst the lush greenery and vibrant culture, an old couple in Bongaigaon finds joy and togetherness in celebrating the auspicious festival of Rongali Bihu. This traditional festival marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the state.

As the sun rises on the first day of Bohag, the Assamese month corresponding to mid-April, the air is filled with the melodious tunes of Bihu songs and the aroma of freshly harvested crops. In a quaint village nestled amidst the rolling hills, an elderly couple eagerly prepares for the festivities ahead. For them, Rongali Bihu is not just a celebration of the New Year but a reaffirmation of their love, bond, and shared heritage.

The couple, with their weathered faces reflecting a lifetime of experiences, embodies the essence of enduring love and companionship. Despite the challenges and trials they have faced over the years, their spirits remain undaunted, and their love for each other continues to blossom like the vibrant flowers that adorn their courtyard during Bihu.

As the day unfolds, the old woman, adorned in traditional Assamese attire, surprises her husband with a beautifully handcrafted Bihuwan, a traditional Assamese scarf adorned with intricate designs. The Bihuwan, woven with threads of love and nostalgia, symbolizes not just a gift but a testament to their shared memories and the journey they have undertaken together.

Moved by his wife's gesture, the old man embraces her tightly, his eyes welling up with tears of joy and gratitude. In that fleeting moment, amidst the festivities and the rhythmic beats of the dhol (traditional drum), time seems to stand still as they immerse themselves in the warmth of their love and the rich tapestry of Bihu traditions.

For the old couple, Rongali Bihu is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life itself—a time to cherish the bonds of family, community, and tradition that have sustained them through the trials of time. As they immerse themselves in the rhythm of Bohag festivities, their hearts resonate with the spirit of Bihu, reaffirming their faith in love, resilience, and the enduring beauty of Assamese culture.

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