Reported by: Farhana Ahmed
North Lakhimpur: The three-day-long Phato Bihu, a historic folk cultural confluence celebrated annually during the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Assamese month of Bohag, concluded at its permanent venue at Mohghuli Chapori in Dhakuakhana on Sunday with vibrant cultural programmes and competitions.
The concluding day witnessed a colourful cultural procession showcasing the rich folk traditions and heritage of various ethnic communities. The procession was inaugurated by noted singer and actor Deeplina Deka. An open Bihu competition was also organised as part of the final day’s events.
Later in the afternoon, an open session was held at the main venue under the chairmanship of Basanta Saikia, president of the Phato Bihu Committee. Eminent scholar Dr Pushpa Gogoi, retired vice-principal of Dhemaji College, attended the session as the appointed speaker. AASU president Utpal Sarma was present as an invited guest along with several other dignitaries.
Earlier, he celebrations commenced on May 8 with the ceremonial hoisting of the festival flag by Basanta Saikia. The inaugural day also featured the opening of the cultural stage along with Toka Bihu and children’s Husori competitions.
The second day of the festival began with the plantation of Kopou orchids and saplings at the venue premises, reflecting the organisers’ emphasis on environmental awareness alongside cultural preservation. Competitions on Gamocha making and adult Husori performances were also held.
A major attraction of the second day was the unveiling of two life-size statues of cultural icons Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg within the festival premises. The statue of Dr Bhupen Hazarika was unveiled by Dr Jyoti Prasad Saikia, Vice Chancellor of Jagannath Baruah University, Jorhat, while the statue of Zubeen Garg was unveiled by Raja Baruah, a band member associated with the popular artiste.
On the occasion, the almanac of Phato Bihu Bihuwan was formally released by Dr Jayanta Gogoi, Principal of Jogananda Deva Satradhikar Goswami College, Bokakhat.
The festival drew large participation from cultural enthusiasts and local residents, reaffirming Phato Bihu’s significance as a major platform for preserving and promoting Assam’s folk traditions and indigenous cultural heritage.