As Rongali Bihu begins, 200-year-old pepa strikes a chord in Sonitpur

Jamugurihat, Apr 14: Rongali Bihu, one of Assam’s most significant festivals, began on Tuesday, with people across the state celebrating Goru Bihu with traditional fervour following the conclusion of Assembly election voting on April 9.

Like other parts of the state, Jamugurihat has joined the festivities with customary rituals and community celebrations. Local Bihu committees have completed preparations in collaboration with residents to mark the seasonal festival.

Amid the celebrations, a 90-year-old resident of Rampur in Hatinga, in the northern part of Jamugurihat, has emerged as a point of attraction.

Son Baruah is the custodian of a rare 200-year-old pepa, a traditional wind instrument made from buffalo horn, which has been carefully preserved in his family for generations.

Baruah inherited the instrument from his ancestors and continues to safeguard it with great care. He has also carried forward the legacy of playing the pepa, a tradition passed down through his forefathers.

Visitors from across the region are thronging his residence to catch a glimpse of both the veteran musician and the historic instrument.

Notably, Baruah had performed Bihu in New Delhi during an Independence Day parade in his youth and was invited to perform at various cultural programmes across Sonitpur district.

Though he no longer performs on stage due to age-related constraints, Baruah continues to play the pepa at his home during the Bohag Bihu season, keeping the tradition alive.