What is Bihu? LBC Executive Committee LBC Members

London Bihu Committee

The London Bihu Committee (LBC) is a voluntary and non-profit organisation. It is non-political and non-religious. It was formally established on 11 January 1987. Its main purpose is to promote the Assamese New Year. The New Year is called ‘The Rongali Bihu’. Rongali Bihu is the Bihu of ‘rong’ or merriment and cheerfulness.

In general, the LBC seeks to hold Rongali Bihu around 14 April, when the Bihu is celebrated in Assam. with the aim of bringing together as many of the UK Assamese diaspora as possible to celebrate.

The Committee is a mix of all generations of Assamese diaspora. It comprises both executive members, who are elected office bearers. General elections every two years. It also includes general members of the executive body. The Committee meets at least five times a year.

LBC Constitution

LBC Constitution (Amended 2013)

Silver Jubilee Film commemorating 25 years of London Bihu: 

The Assamese Cultural Association and Its Activities

The LBC originated from a sub-committee of the Assamese Cultural Association and was governed by the rules of the Association. The original aim of the Association was to provide Assamese language, culture, and heritage to British-Assamese children. The Association also aimed to influence other communities interested in Assam.

In the past, the Association’s activities included an Assamese School to teach Assamese language and music, dramas and musicals. This provided young British-Assamese children with an invaluable opportunity to gain a better understanding of Assam’s cultural heritage. They presented various wonderful performances of music, song, dance, drama and spoken word given in Bihu functions over the years.

These children have now become adults. while many have moved to different parts of the world, Assamese values and culture always accompany them.

As the teaching of the Assamese language was phased out, the Association became more focused on hosting the London Rongali Bihu, under the banner of the LBC.