The people of Assam are celebrating Rongali Bihu to welcome the Assamese New Year 1419 which begins today. The festival is also known as the 'Bohaag Bihu' as it marks the beginning of the Assamese month-Bohaag. The celebration will last for a week. Bihu functions are being organized across the State with participation of leading performers. Over 50 Bihu pandals have been erected in Guwahati city alone. Most of the Bihu organizers have decided to pay rich tributes to legendary singer, music maestro, Padma Bibhusan Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, this year, remembering his contribution towards music, culture and literature of the State. Dr. Hazarika passed away in November last year. Meanwhile, the National Aids Control Organization (NACO), in association with the Assam State AIDS Control Society, has taken up a novel scheme by roping in some leading singers and performers of Bihu functions to help generate awareness about HIV/AIDS which has affected around 14 thousand people in the State besides claiming 419 lives so far.