City folks celebrate the spring festival with unity in diversity

ASOMI-the Assamese diaspora in Pune recently organised a spring festival in collaboration with Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University (BVDU) School of Performing Arts to commemorate the Assamese new year, Rangali Bihu and Maharashtra’s Gudi Padwa.
The confluence of cultures saw beautiful presentations
The musical treat offered a glimpse into the diverse cultures of both these states through exuberant performances like Assamese tribal dance forms and Maharashtra’s traditional folk dances like Tiwa dance, and Bagdumba dance, Miching, and Jhumur dance, Lavani, powada and gondhal by BVDU students.The performance by the Assamese Thespian group on a medley of 20 distinct folk musical instruments to portray the best of Assamese culture, remained the evening's highlight.

Rajib Borkataki, general secretary, ASOMI – the Assamese Community Organisation said: "It's overwhelming to witness the moment when the cultures and music of the two states are coming together. The festival is providing a platform to increase awareness about the North East."
Talking about the performance, Mukhyadhar Das, leader of the thespian group, shared, “It was a great experience to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam through our performances and to collaborate with musicians of the state to give the audience a musical treat.”

Maharashtrian artistes Sakshi Gaikwad, Akshata Mane, and Anuradha Pawale performed the dance of Assam's Sattra monastery. Bollywood Singer Shashwati Phukan performed Marathi bhakti geet, followed by Bihu and a few Bollywood songs to enthrall the audience.
The response to the initiative was overwhelming with more than 1000 people from both the communities attending the event.