We are looking for some willing participants to help us with our research.

I am a London-based anthropologist, ethnographer and filmmaker. At the moment I am working in collaboration with a number of independent anthropologists and filmmakers on an exciting project that I think may interest you.

The theme of the project is ‘Assamese identity’ – what it means to be Assamese. Last year, we spent six weeks in the Northeast and we plan to return in April of this year to carry out further research. Our initial focus was on elements of material culture that contribute to an Assamese Identity, such as Muga silk, Jaapis and Bihu. We now want to expand on this: language, tribes and borderlands being particular areas of interest.

A part of the project is to speak with the Assamese diaspora. We are looking for Assamese NRIs living in London who would be happy to be interviewed on the subject.

If you, or you know of anyone who would be interested in helping us, please get in touch by e-mail (laurence.avis@icloud.com).

Many thanks,

Laurence Avis

Please click on our EVENTS page to view information about our forthcoming Bihu event.

NOTE: In order to become paperless, the LBC is now collecting email addresses from those interested in future London Bihu events. If wish to be send an e-invite, please send an email via the EVENTS page or the CONTACT US page. Your details will be kept in strictest confidence and will be only used for sending information about London Bihu.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Thank you to all those who attended our Silver Jubilee Celebration on Sunday 6th May and making it a success. We hope to see you again next year.

Our GALLERY has now been updated.

Please view our Silver Jubilee Film shown on the day which commemorates 25 years of London Rongali Bihu.

Dear Assamese and friends from the Seven Sister States, on this joyous day, the London Bihu Committee wishes you a very happy Rongali Bihu.

We cordially invite you to our Bihutoli on Sunday 6th May. It will be our 25^th anniversary since the inauguration of the London Bihu Committee (LBC) and consequently this year’s Rongali Bihu will include a special commemoration of the auspicious event.

This year’s festivities will include:

DATE: SUNDAY 6TH MAY 2012

VENUE: THE CAMPION SCHOOL, WINGLETYE LANE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX, RM11 3BX (click address for map)

TIME: 1.30PM – 9.30PM

For more information about our forthcoming Rongali Bihu, including Entry (per head), Payment information, Programme and Directions, please visit the LONDON BIHU 2012 event page.

Please note that to qualify for the pre-paid discount (due to catering purposes), the treasurer must receive your payment by 14th April 2012 21st April 2012 at the latest.

 For more information about our forthcoming Rongali Bihu, please visit the LONDON BIHU 2012 event page.

I, on behalf the London Bihu Committee (LBC), feel privileged to welcome you to our new website. The aim of the website is to provide you with information about ourselves and to improve communication about the culture and heritage of the Rongali Bihu celebrations both within our own community and amongst others.

Rongali Bihu is the festival of the Assamese New Year that falls during springtime in the United Kingdom. It is one of the biggest festivals in the Assamese calendar and traditionally coincides with the preparation of fields for the seeding of rice paddy. Bihu brings people together to join in the traditional Assamese celebrations of song and dance and we continue this tradition here in the United Kingdom.

We are proud that the development of the website has been driven by a second generation LBC member and the enthusiastic efforts bode well for the future of the Committee. Now is the time to start celebrating the launch of this new website and I sincerely hope you enjoy using it now and for many years to come.

Geeta Borooah (Mrs)

The President
London Bihu Committee
1 March 2012