Community fishing sprees mark celebrations of Bihu

GUWAHATI - For the people of Assam, fishing is a lifeline. And on special occasions like the harvest festival of Magh Bihu, the entire community gathers together to fish.

The festival, also called Bhogali Bihu, is known as the festival of feast.

“After everyone is done fishing, they go home to eat with their families. The whole community does this. This is our tradition,” said Ramesh Kalita, a community fishing organiser.

Over the years, this tradition in the Bomani and Jalikhora wetlands of Assam Kamrup district has become an integral part of the celebrations.

“Yeah, it’s wonderful. It’s a pleasure to be here and see the sense of community for this festival. The people have been so welcoming and I’m looking forward to the feast tonight,” said Sean Harris, a British tourist.

However, the infrastructure boom in the area is wiping out the wetlands and these age-old traditions could one day be a thing of the past. (ANI)