A colourful procession in Rongpur, in the outskirt of Sivasagar town turned the entire area of the ancient Ahom capital into a mini north eastern India on Saturday.
From traditional Assamese bihu to ali aai ligang of the mishings, from saint Shankardev to Ajan Fakir all found an echo in the 5 km profession by the Asom Sahitya Sabha which is celebrating its centenary in the historic spot.
Showcasing the rich age old cultural heritage of the various groups and tribes of the north east, the procession took off from the centenary celebration venue at 10 in the morning to be joined by nearly one lakh people.
“I have not seen such a huge cultural procession showcasing the rich cultural ethos in India. Really wonderful. Fantastic indeed,” said a foreign traveller Jerome Tefere, who is on a trip to Sivasagar.
Lakhs of people kept waiting on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the procession while some others poured in floral wreaths to welcome the processionists.
“We are happy to have seen such a wonderful cultural procession and we could not but welcome it with a traditional drape rolling out on the road,”said Anjana Saikia, a housewife in the Rongghar chariali.
Organizers told Assam Times that the five day long centenary celebration venue is on record with more than four lakh footfall.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal is attending the open session of the centenary celebrations on Saturday along with a few of his cabinet colleagues. Nagaland governor PB Acharya attended the celebration venue on Friday.
Book fair and exhibitions have evoked no less response from the people of all walks if life. Many leading publishers said that most if the books published by the Sahitya Sabha have been sold out.
“Really, we have sold out ninety per cent books published by the Sabha. However, in response to the growing demand we are procuring some more books to the stalls afresh,” said a publisher.
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