With a temperate and misty weather and gentle breeze, Aghon, the Assamese month amidst a pleasing season Hemanta, has its own attraction and we do seem in good heart when we feel it. The surroundings become attractive with glittering of dewdrops on the grass blades like pearls in the morning sunlight. The rivers — the lifelines of the people of Assam — flow gently with the kahua dancing on their banks. The sun in the clear sky pleases seeing their unification. Such a pleasing atmosphere provides an insight to Aghon which takes to our heart.

Aghon comes every year to us and we want to put more heart at her advent. She appeals to be fresher, lovelier and finds a niche for herself in her business. Aghon is also the time when the paddy fields, once green, turn yellowish with ripe crops; they become heavy and as such they fail to maintain their erect position and become inclined resembling a yellow carpet. How sweet is the smell of ripe crops! The birds of different species, especially the Balimahi, play cheerfully.

It reminds one of a song by Rudra Baruah: Poka dhanar maje maje/Soru soru ali/Oi soru soru ali/Alit pari geet jore/Jak Balimahi. This song beautifully depicts the month Aghon that delights us, besides giving an idea about the harvesting month to the young generation. Likewise in Keshab Mahanta’s creation Aghonar Kuoli, the month Aghon is expressed as the misty weather along with the female harvest reapers with sickles in their hands frolicking amidst the golden crops.

Gone are the days when Aghon was enjoyed merrily not only by the old but also the young ones. Aghon comes every year and goes, but it is not known whether it could be enjoyed as before. The climatic change as a result of pollution at all levels and global warming has affected this harvesting month. Today, we do not get sufficient rainfall in time though Assam falls in the monsoon region. As a result, most of the lands have to remain barren leading to the decline of agricultural goods. Often there is drought-like situation due to lack of rainfall. Therefore, it is necessary to plant more trees as a measure of afforestation rather than deforestation. It is also high time we created awareness among the masses to work for reduction of pollution level, especially in the greater interest of the paddy fields that supply us food for our subsistence.

Hope Aghon will come as before with availability of crops, leading to the cheerful atmosphere amongst the people of Assam.

Bhutesh Ch Sarma