Guwahati: Assam along with many parts of Bharat and Bangladeshi start celebrating Bohag or Rongali Bihu where Goru Bihu falls on 14 April and Pohela Boishakh (first day of Bangla New Year 1432 that falls on the same day. However, the people of West Bengal observe the new year day on 15 April (of Gregorian calendar). The Assamese people observe the seven-day Bihu to welcome the new year beginning on 15 April following the Bhaskarabda era calendar. The era reflects the date of ascension of Bhaskara Barman, the seventh-century ruler of the giant Kamrup kingdom. The State government recognized Bhaskarabda (a lunisolar chart) along with Saka and English calendars.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Assam on the occasion of Bohag Bihu, Vaisakhi, Vishu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also wished the people on Goru Bihu that symbolises the importance of farming in the life of the people of the State. “Today, Assam observes one of its most sacred and meaningful traditions — Goru Bihu, the first and most spiritually significant day of the Rongali Bihu celebrations. This day is dedicated to the worship of the cow (Gomata), who holds a divine place in Sanatan Hindu Dharma as the eternal nurturer, a symbol of motherhood, sustenance, and purity,” said Guv Acharya.
Bangladesh interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus called upon the people of south Asian nation to work together for creating a discrimination-free country, where every citizen remains happy, peaceful and progressive. The lone Nobel laureate of Bangladesh with a population of 170 million, Prof Yunus opined that the new year festival helps the entire nation, irrespective of their religions, castes or creeds, to revitalize with a new spirit and commitment. Despite differences in beliefs and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and the various communities living on the mountains and valleys of Bangladesh are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture, and traditions, he added.
Recently, Prof Yunus urged two members of the National Consensus Commission to expedite the reform processes so that the next general election can be conducted by June 2026. The commission is undertaking a series of meetings with different political parties for consensus respecting the public opinions in regards to reform agendas. Till date eight political parties have discussed with the commission where the prime opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party is scheduled to talk in the next few days.
