US President Joe Biden greets people of Assam on Bihu

GUWAHATI: US President Joe Biden led a national greeting to Indian Americans, South Asians and Southeast Asia celebrating festivals such as Bihu, Vaisakhi, Navratri across the country.

"Jill and I send our warmest wishes to the many South Asian and Southeast Asian communities celebrating Vaisakhi, Navratri and the incoming New Year across the country this week. Happy Aluth Avurudda, Happy Bihu, Happy Cheti Chand, Happy Gudi Padwa, Happy Khmer New Year, Happy Navreh, Happy Pohela Boishakh, Happy Pana Sankranti, Happy Pi Mai, Happy Puthandu, Happy Rongali Bihu, Happy Songkran, Happy Tamil New Year, Happy Ugadi and Happy Vishu! In this season of hope, we are wishing this New Year brings you and your families prosperity and light," the president posted on Facebook.

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Several lawmakers joined Biden and the first lady of the United States Jill in wishing Indian Americans and Sikhs a happy Vaisakhi.

The occasion of Bihu signals the onset of the warmer days and the spring season.

It is celebrated by various names in different parts of the country, such as Vaisakhi, Vishu, Poila Boishak, Puthandu, etc.

Every year, the festivals fall on April 13 or April 14, based on the Hindu or Sikh calendar.

Rongali Bihu, the seven-day festival comprising Goru Bihu, Chot Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu is celebrated in April for a week.

Rongali Bihu is being celebrated adhering to COVID safety protocols due to a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases in Assam and across the region.

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Assam's heartthrob Zubeen Garg will return to perform in Bihu functions after two years. The singer will appear on 20 to 25 different programmes across the state this time. Bihu was not celebrated last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Today is Goru Bihu, a cattle-themed festival. On this day, people bathe their cattle by taking them to lakes or rivers.

Tomorrow the people will dress up in traditional Assamese attire and exchange gifts as the second day is observed as Manuh Bihu.

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