India, April 14 -- F or Assam-born Devoleena Bhattacherjee, Rongali Bihu - celebrated today and marking the Assamese New Year - is a time to look ahead with hope and gratitude, as she wishes for "new opportunities". "There are three types of Bihu, and today is Rongali or Bohag Bihu, the most significant one, marking the Assamese New Year, spring, and the start of the farming season. Bihu is not just a festival for Assam, it's the soul of the state. I look for new opportunities and growth, and hope the year is prosperous for my family, friends and everyone," the actor shares. Recalling her childhood memories of Bihu, the 40-year-old says, "Celebrating Bihu with traditional music, dance, and feasts has always been special. I loved dressing up in the traditional mekhela chador, a two-piece ensemble made from muga, paat, or eri silk." At the heart of her celebrations lies a personal ritual that she continues to uphold even today. "I have seen my mother offer morning prayers, thanking God for all the blessings and asking for protection, happiness, and success for the year ahead. She would prepare an Assamese feast with traditional pitha, sticky rice delicacies, and jolpaan which is a a traditional breakfast or snack. I continue the same," she shares. Now settled in Mumbai, Devoleena remains closely connected to her roots. "My heart starts singing and my body starts dancing to Bihu songs. While I celebrate at home, there are many people from Assam in Mumbai who organise Bihu events here," she says. A mother to an 18-month-old son, Joy, she adds that motherhood has made the festival even more meaningful: "Since my son has come into my life, every festival feels more meaningful and worthwhile. When he is old enough to understand, I will take him to Assam during Bihu so he can truly experience what the festival is about." She adds with a smile, "I'll make him wear a dhoti." In a household that brings together different cultural backgrounds, with her husband, gym trainer Shanawaz Shaikh, following Islam, Bihu becomes part of a larger celebration of togetherness. "It's not just about my husband; even before marriage, I had friends from different religions. We celebrate each other's festivals. Festivals aren't about religion, they're about love, blessings, and brotherhood," she ends....