Singer Papon marked the vibrant festival of Bihu away from his home state Assam this year, opting for an intimate celebration with family and friends in Mumbai. While the grandeur of traditional festivities was missed, the artiste ensured the spirit of the festival remained alive through a warm and personal gathering. “It was a small but meaningful affair,” he said. Staying true to tradition, he and his loved ones observed the basic rituals associated with Rongali Bihu, preserving its cultural essence even miles away from home.Speaking about celebrating Bihu away from Assam, he said, “Bihu has always been about togetherness, joy, and gratitude. Of course, being away from Assam, you miss the scale and the energy of it all, but festivals are truly about the people you’re with. This year, it’s a small celebration with my family and friends here in Mumbai, but the emotions remain just as strong. We made sure to carry out the basic rituals and customs of Bihu, and then, of course, we sang, we cooked, we shared food and music—and in that moment, it truly felt like a piece of home.”The evening was marked by music, home-cooked food, and shared moments, as those present sang, cooked, and celebrated much like they would in Assam.Despite the distance, the celebration underscored how traditions can transcend geography, with the essence of festivals rooted in connection and shared experience.
