Assam Guv, CM, Gaurav Gogoi greet people on Rongali Bihu
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and the Assamese New Year.
In a statement, Acharya said Rongali Bihu symbolises new beginnings, hope and togetherness, and plays a vital role in strengthening Assam's rich cultural traditions while bringing joy, peace and prosperity to society.
Describing India as a land of festivals, he noted that such occasions promote social harmony, cultural identity and unity.
"The state represents a harmonious confluence of diverse communities, languages and traditions, forming the greater Assamese identity. Rongali Bihu, marking the advent of spring and the Assamese New Year, reflects the deep bond between people and nature and inspires collective celebration," Acharya said.
The love for nature among the people of Assam, he said, is the soul of the state and Rongali Bihu is its most graceful expression.
"As an agrarian festival, Bihu captures the hopes and aspirations of farmers through its songs and dances, making it deeply meaningful. Bihu has now transcended geographical boundaries and gained global recognition," the Governor said.
Sarma, in a post on X, also greeted people on the occasion.
"Today marks Bohag, the vibrant beginning of a new year and the very heartbeat of life in Assam. On this joyous and deeply cherished day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to my beloved people of Assam. May this new year bring happiness, prosperity, and renewed hope to every home," he said.
Gogoi said Bohag Bihu is a profound feeling connected to Assamese people's existence, culture and land.
"Today is the first Bohag, the first day of the Assamese New Year. May our lives shine with a new light of hope as the arrival of the New Year revives nature," he said.
The Assam Congress president prayed that the state be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity.
"In this new year, let us all move forward together to make our Assam even more beautiful with the tone of hope, love and unity. Happy Assamese New Year to everyone," he added.
Rongali or Bohag Bihu celebrations kick off mid-April on the last day of the Assamese calendar, ‘Chot 30’.
Dance, music and feasting highlight the celebrations, with communities coming together to soak in the festive atmosphere. 'Rongali' is derived from 'Rong', meaning joy and celebration.
Bihu has arrived, and the joy is all around.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 14, 2026
A lovely glimpse from the Nabarun Jeng Bihu team of Simaluguri, Narayanpur
A delight to watch ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lfAPVSiK7L
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Two people killed as poultry vehicle rams into parked truck in Belagavi
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Two people were killed, and another was severely injured after a goods vehicle transporting poultry birds allegedly rammed into a stationary truck on a national highway in Belagavi in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.
The deceased have been identified as Wasim (28) and Mubarak (22), both natives of Shivamogga district, they said.
The driver of the vehicle, Basavaraj Eerappa Hanchinamani (37), suffered critical injuries and has been admitted to a hospital, police said.
According to police, the accident occurred when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, allegedly due to drowsiness, and crashed into a truck parked along the highway.
The goods vehicle was en route from Kolhapur to Sorab in Shivamogga district, carrying poultry. Several chickens were also killed in the impact, a senior police officer said.
Police personnel from the Hirebagewadi Police Station visited the spot and conducted an inspection.
Injured people and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to a hospital, police added.
