FaatoBihu (http://www.faatobihu.com) :
From 16th Century onwards, on the bank of the river Charikoriya, a gathering known as the “Faatobihu” is being celebrated annually, till date. For convenience it is now celebrated on the month of “Bohag” (of Assamese Calendar) and the dates are considered according to the last Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the month. This is now considered as the traditional auspicious occasion of Dhakuakhana. The immense beauty on the bank of the river where the occasion takes place could, none other than the “Mohghuli Chapori”, an area where nature has its own wonderful way to express its wonder with tall trees, green grass and soft cool breeze blowing away the dark shades of everybody’s life. Faatobihu is a platform for all to be bound with the same threads of love, brotherhood and equality irrespective of caste, creed and religion since the Ahoms ruled the place. Thus, it possess some specific characteristic and significance of its own although “Bihu” is celebrated all over as in Dhakuakhana in the same way. There is no written history about “Faatobihu”, and so there is no definite evidence, that describes best, traditional festival. But people residing in this region has been holding this occasion as a means of cultural investigation programme. Origin of the name “Faatobihu”. According to Tai language “Faat” means - A place beside a river or some deep water bounded area where goods are exchanged for trade and tax collected. According to Ahom Lexicans, “Faat” means – A place where traders assemble for trade and for the payment of duty. Legendarily speaking, there are many takes related to Faatobihu. But one such tales that still counts is worth mentioning. During the Ahom rule, a vast area was under the control of the Ahom rulers. Both the North & South bank of the river Brahmaputra was occupied by them. So, accordingly, the officials from the court representing the Ahom rulers gave a visit in this region annually. As an easy means of communication, they travelled along the water ways by the river Brahmaputra and the sub-rivers and reached this land. To mark their visit, the people organized a grand welcome for the officials with great enthusiasm. The common people eagerly came out to pay their taxes to these officials thereby organized cultural events for their entertainment. It was a 7 days process and so the people from different castes and communities exhibited their own cultural songs and dance forms. The whole region was indeed transformed into a place for “merry-making and joy”. Happiness reigned over the region. Although the sole reason for this gathering was “to pay taxes” yet it was dominated by the festive mood of the commoners and thus “Faat” was transformed into “Faatobihu” in course of time. Transformation with time Previously Faatobihu was confined with small tribal and non tribal communities only. Later on it came out to be celebrated regionally. In 1918 Faatobihu had a halt in its celebration due to India’s freedom movement. People who previously dominated to sing and dance in the festival, disagreed to participate. Later towards the end of the 20th century, Faatobihu again regained their rhythm with some happiness and merry making. In 1976, Faatobihu was officially organized in Dhakuakhana Govt. M.E. School field. From 1996, Faatobihu came to their own traditional field in “Mohghuli Chapori” to regain their long lost vigour and charm. Mohghuli Chapori & Faatobihu : Legendary literaturist Dr. Homen Borgohain denoted the present Faatobihu celebrating region as the “Mohghuli Chapori” in his noted short story “Gorokhia” situated on the bank of the river Charikaria towards the western part. The natural beauty of the river and the immense greenery all around its sorroundings soothe away the heart and soul. Faatbihu becomes lively with nature – the tall green trees, orchids and cooing of the birds put upon an additional flavor for the festival to end with success. An additional drizzling of “rain”, does not fade away the beauty and the people to gather enlighting “Mohghuli Chapori to its best. Special features of Faatobihu : Faatbihu holds its own special significance and charactersistics. The organizers take immense effort to organize Faatobihu with the same traditional way, as it used to be, with the slightest modification. The ethnicity and the flavor of cultural programmes are organized in a systemic manner with the view that the customs and traditions are not hampered , dishonoured or misguided The land known as the “land of golden thread”, people sought to wear dresses made of this golden thread or the Muga silk. The people gathered in the Mohghuli Chapori prefer to wear their own traditional dresses like the mekhela-sador by the females of all community and dhoti pujabi by the males. Gamocha is carried by both males and females. However, other communities prefer their own traditional clothes. This is to make traditional cultural customs, rites and rituals popular so that it does not get lost with the young generation. The people of the region as a whole takes immense care to preserve Faatobihu in its own way so that the rapid growth of globalization does not lays any impact upon it. ঢকুৱাখনাৰ 'ফাটবিহু' ৱেবছাইট : http://www.faatobihu.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ সমাজৰ কাৰণে ভাল কাম কৰাজনৰ পৰিচয় ৰাইজৰ আগত দাঙি ধৰিব লাগে আৰু ভাল খবৰবোৰ যিমান পাৰি ৰাইজৰ মাজত বিলাব লাগে। ---- বুলজিৎ বুঢ়াগোহাঁই _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
