Bihu tales

It's the night of feasting and then prowling the neighbourhood to whack anything that could be burnt in the bonfire.

Like Lohri, in Assam it is Bihu celebrated on a cold wintry day in January. Of course this is not the Bihu that brings in the new year. That happens in April. As best as I remember, this January Bihu is simply to feast at night, and burn the traditional bonfire with a prayer, first thing in the morning.

But in between the feast and the bonfire ritual, a whole night of activites take place. First families, friends and the neighbourhood gather to cook outside and eat around a fire. Plenty of singing, dancing and games take place as sweet potaotes and corn cobs are poked deep into the fire to roast. After dinner, teenage boys act smart and go out. The idea is to steal neighbours' wooden and bamboo fences to burn the traditional bonfire with. Now most neighbours are alert and sometimes even put up extra lights around their houses to spot prowlers.

We girls never went. Though I did have a friend who was supposed to be a star performer on these nights. She could pull off a job very neatly without getting caught. Of course, we held her in high esteem.

My brother was often a part of these groups. Peer pressure. All the stealing he was used to, was getting his own things pinched all the time. And we wondered why he was included in the group with such a poor record. And then we knew why. My darling brother contributed in a big way.

One year, when the group couldn't steal anything as people all over were alert, my stupid brother led them to our house! Imagine, his own place! They neatly removed the bamboo fencing from the front while my parents caught their forty winks. And next morning the bonfire at the club (where all the boys celebrated) was crackling happily, fuelled with our fence. My poor parents got a shock when they saw the bare lawn and flowerbeds. Some of the rascals had even lined the road outside with mom's treasured flowerpots. Much later my brother confessed.

The next year, the lad was warned not repeat his stupid act and threatened with dire consequences. Though of course, the parents remained alert this time. Son was last seen going out with his prized cricket bat to the club. Ahh... all well. The feast happened. All danced and sang around the fire at night. We were proud not even a twig could be flicked from home this time. And next morning the bonfire at the club was crackling happily. We wondered who were the poor victims this time. Much later brother confessed. Again. Remember the prized cricket bat? Martyr brother let it go up in flames just so his friends could have a bonfire to pray to!