It’s a chilly grey London evening in October 2023. Post a festive afternoon of Durga Puja, a bunch of British Assamese friends huddles together in a cozy London household. They chit chat over a warm pot of afternoon tea. The trail of conversation takes them to a muse of home in Assam. They remember that it’s just 6 months shy of the beloved Bohag Bihu, the season cherished by every Assamese heart. So, one of them starts tapping the fingers on the mahogany wooden table, slugs a draught of tea, and raises a voice. “Why don’t we pull together the Bohagi festivities in London?” Smiles brim on their faces. As they step out to the street heading back home, the 6 degree chill in the air nips their nose tips and cheeks but the thought of Bihu celebration warms their heart.
Thus, the seeds of Brihottor London Bihu were planted—a springtime event designed to unite the Assamese community in the UK. This celebration would not just be about festivity; it would offer a space for generations to bridge together, blending the traditions treasured by the older community with the energy of newer students and professionals. A pivotal aspect of the event would be its role in connecting British-born Assamese children with their roots, allowing them to experience their ancestral culture firsthand. Naming the event “Brihottor” offers a distinctive Assamese identity, rooting it in heritage while fostering a sense of belonging for the Assamese diaspora in the UK.
Every Assamese soul, young to old, treasures Bohag Bihu close to heart. Brihottor Bihu brings those pleasures to the Assamese residing in the UK: the aura of a beautiful spring day, the melting sweetness of molasses in pithas, people clad in golden Muga attires, and the upbeat of Dhol and Pepa stirring the spirit. Renowned artists invited from Assam join fun-filled activities and performances that give UK Assamese residents an opportunity to participate.
Brihottor Bihu is shaped with the fondness and yearning for Assamese traditions. The event is envisioned to bridge us with our roots in Assam. It is a welcoming place for every Assamese in the UK to enjoy the festival with equality.
Let’s unite to preserve the rich heritage of Assam for future generations.