Once again the Assamese community in North Eastern United States gathered at the Kingston Presbyterian Church on Route 27 in Kingston, New Jersey to celebrate Magh Bihu, on Saturday, January 16, 2010. The day started with traditional and some non-traditional snacks consisting of Chira dai, Laroo, sweets, samosa, donuts, etc. Around 4 PM children started playing their favorite games, such as musical chair, hot potato, spoon race. Adults were not far behind having fun. Adult games consisted of musical chair, hot potato and children as well as adult played the traditional egg fight. Games were followed by a cultural program showcasing talents of young and adult by playing musical instruments, dancing, singing.

The Magh Bihu celebration culminated with a mouth watering Assamese dinner consisting of home cooked mutton curry, chicken curry, fish curry, khar, bagena poora, saag and many more traditional dishes. In addition, there was a full assortment of desserts including payash, mithai, cake, rasamalai. The food was prepared by many dedicated and hard working volunteers from the Assamese community and everyone who attended was thankful for the delicious authentic meal. Over 125 people from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut attended the joyous event. Several new members were introduced to the community who brought additional joy to the event. Weather was unexpectedly very pleasant in mid January. The community decided to contribute portion of their Magh Bihu fee towards Haiti earthquake relief fund and it was given to the Pastor of the Kingston Presbyterian Church by Purandar Sarmah on behalf of the community. The Magh bihu was concluded with the community collectively singing American National Anthem Star Spangle Banner and followed by O Mor Apunar Desh.

As in the past, this year’s Bihu celebration would not have been possible without the very dedicated and committed volunteers and their ardent spirit to help preserve Assamese culture and heritage abroad. Once again, the celebration of this year’s Magh Bihu provided the opportunity to the Assamese community in the NE USA to assemble and celebrate their culture and tradition. The community is gearing up to celebrate the Rongali Bihu (Assamese New Year) in mid April.