A Bihu-based documentary depicting Bihu dance, songs and Hussori in original form is being brought out under the banner of Prithviraj Positive Media. Joykanta Gondhiya, the chief director of the documentary, a VCD titled Bihure Birina Pat is a researcher of Assam’s folk culture. The concept, production and direction of the venture is by Chandrasekhar Sarma. Initially, an audio CD and a VCD comprising about 70 odd Bihu naam and about 33 Jat naam are being planned to be released soon. The productions are testimony to Gandhiya’s three decades of research experience.

The works of Dimbeswar Neog’s Akul Pothik, Nakul Chandra Bhuyan’s Bohagi and Dr Lila Gogoi’s Bihugeet aru Bonghosa have been used as resource books, while Dr Prafulla Dutta Goswami’s Baro Mahor Tero Geet, and Hem Barua’s Chenaire Sokuloi Saboke Nowari have been used to go back to the Bihu tunes of 100 to 150 years, an effort that has been made in the Bihure Birina Pat. Likewise, the picturisation has also been made in that light – the evolution of Bihu dance and songs over these years. The commentary on the same, prepared by Gandhiya would help the new generation understand their Bihu heritage. They would also get to hear earlier beats of the dhol and pepa, which are rarely heard today. Hand and bamboo claps have been used in these creations.

Others involved with Bihure Birina Pat include Dr Nomal Gogoi (adviser), Akashi Amia Dutta Gandhiya and Bhupen Gohain (assistant music directors), Bitumoni Goswami (music arranger), Amia Gandhiya and Korobi Rajkumari (arrangements), and Korobi Rajkumari (concept assistant). The singers include Mahananda Majinder Barua, Bipul Chetia Phukan, Zubeen Garg, Krishnamoni Chutia, Krishnamoni Nath, Khagen Gogoi, Bhupen Gohain, Feroz Konwar, Rosheswar Thengal, Somnath Bora Oja and Mukunda Bora, while co-singers include Sumi Bezbarua, Jaan, Parikhit and Diganta. Jatin Bora and Krishnamoni Nath have lent their voices in the commentaries.

The instrumentalists are Somnath Bora Oja, Proshen Bora, Debeswar Saikia, Lichu, Jayanta Sonowal, Bipul Chetia Phukan, Feroz Konwar, Prasanna Gogoi, Ananta Thengal, Tapan Tanti, Mukuta Thengal and Sundar Lama. The shooting was held at Jyoti Chitraban Studio. Last, but not the least, artist and cartoonist, Champak Barbara has done the cover design of this important album.

Informed circles have opined that the CDs would be worth preserving for obvious reasons; besides it would help the competitors of Rongali Bihu to emulate the correct tunes and postures as per tradition. Meanwhile, chief director Gandhiya has informed that the inspiration for bringing out the VCD and the subsequent efforts to that end have come from the readers of his articles, especially a letter from Col Kumar Gogoi, and the editor of Prantik, Pradip Baruah, whom Gandhiya has thanked profusely.

The production house Prithviraj Positive Media has been formed to strive towards collecting and preserving the rich folk culture of the State, informs Chandrasekhar Sarma, adding that from next year the house would arrange free food and lodging for the first five Indians or foreigners who venture to Assam to do research work on Bihu, at least during the period of their research in the State.

Simanta Bhagawati