India, Jan. 16 -- As the month of Magh Bihu began on January 14, singer-composer Angarag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, reflects on home heritage and the values that continue to shape his life and music. "Magh Bihu has always been very close to my heart because it celebrates togetherness, gratitude and abundance," he says, adding, "No matter how far my music travels, Magh Bihu brings me back home to family, food, and shared happiness." Celebrating the festival, he adds, reinforces how "our culture connects people universally, beyond language and geography." For Papon, this spirit of community reflects the essence of Assam's folk culture: "simple, honest, and deeply rooted in community life." Memories of songs around the Bhela Ghor (temporary hut) and stories shared near the Meji (temple-like structure) fire taught him "the power of simplicity and togetherness," the singer shares. His childhood was filled with family feasts on Uruka (the eve of Magh Bihu) with pithas "mixed with jaggery, sesame, coconut and more." remain some of his most treasured moments. "Sometimes, I would sit through the night with my father (late singer-composer Khagen Mahanta) beside a small fire at home, guarding our bamboo boundary fences," he shares, moments that still bring "both a smile and tears."...