Dhubri: Dhubri witnessed a vibrant celebration of culture and unity as Bohag Bihu and the Bengali New Year were celebrated aboard the vessel MV Pratima on the Brahmaputra on Wednesday evening.The nearly four-hour-long programme was packed with lively Bihu dances, soulful songs, and captivating musical and cultural performances presented by artists from Nrityangan, a socio-cultural organisation based in Dhubri.Veteran academician Pratima Neogi extended her greetings on the occasion and highlighted the symbolic significance of the celebration. She described it as a confluence of cultures on the Brahmaputra.“Like countless rivers and rivulets merge into the Brahmaputra, diverse cultures come together in Dhubri on this special day,” Neogi said.Chief guest Bimal Oswal, director (independent) of NEEPCO and principal of IPICO, echoed her sentiments. He emphasised that such unique cultural assimilation could place this annual event on Assam’s tourism map.“This celebration beautifully bridges communities. Rongali Bihu is Assam’s largest festival, while Poila Boishakh holds deep emotional significance in Bengal. This rare cultural union is uniquely celebrated in Dhubri,” Oswal said.Speaking to TOI, Nrityangan convener Dipankar Majumder said the event has been organised over the past few years, receiving support from people across communities. “We aim to spread the message of cultural harmony and securing a place for this event on the tourism map,” he added.Cultural groups, including the Ghungroo Dance Group, participated in the event, leaving the audience enthralled.
