Rabha Divas observed at Kalaigaon

Asom Xahitya Xabha has celebrated Rabha Divas, centrally at Kalaigaon in Udalguri district on June 19 and 20 with gaiety. Sabha in association with ‘Kendukalai Sahitya Samaj’,Kalaigaon organized the two days celebration in presence of thousands of people on both the days. Hoisting of Sabha flag by Abul Hussain, president, Kendukalai Sahitya Samaj marked the beginning of the celebration on June 19 at 10 am followed by painting, quiz,recitation and Bishnu sangeet competition. Lumsraw Daimari,BTAD MCLA inaugurated the cultural evening on the first day at 8 pm. Floral homage was paid to Rabha’s image on second day morning on June 20 followed by a huge ethnic cultural rally, which was inaugurated by Rihan Daimari, minister PHE,Assam at 11 am. Daimari had also been the president of the reception committee.Maheswar Baro MLA,Kalaigaon; Keshab Deka and Dandi Rabha MCLA (BTAD);Sailen Rajbangshi,executive member of Sabha also participated in the rally where thousands of people in their respective ethnic colorful costume participated. Addressing the open session at 1 pm which was presided over by Rong Bong Terang,president Asom Xahitya Sabha,Rihan Daimari in his welcome speech recalled the historical background of Kalaigaon.saying that Kendukalai who had been the priest of Goddess Kamakhya lived in a village called Mura Deor just 5 km from present Kalaigaon.He thanked the people of Kalaigaon for organizing the great event with success. A souvenir named ‘Mukti Deul’,edited by Sukleswar Deka was released on the occasion by writer Radha Bora,project convener of Asom Xahitya Xabha.Seven new books published by Darrang Zilla Xahitya Xabha were also released formally at the open session by noted writer Suniti Sonowal, Maheswar Baro,MLA, Kalaigaon and Bipul Deuri,working president, cultural sub-committee of Asom Xahitya Xabha. Asom Xahitya Xabha also felicitated a few distinguished artists and singers namely- Kanika Bhattacharya,Bhadra Kanta Nath and Guni Ram Rabha (Oja) with citation letters,japi and Xarai.for their contribution to Assamese culture. Noted singer Sudakshina Sarmah attended the open session as the chief guest. She could not control her emotion when she had recalled her association with Bishnu Rava and Dr.Bhupen Hazarika.She made the audience spell bound by singing a few nostalgic songs of her times. Popular actor Nipon Goaswami’s speech won the heart of the people present. He said that people must respect and understand the values of ethnic cultures of Assam. Academy award winner ,writer Rita Choudhuri also addressed the session as the guest of honour.She said that Bishnu Rabha and Jyoti Prasad.Agarwalla through their writings tried to raise voice against exploitations on the poors.They had never been sitting in comfortable places away from common people while writing. She expressed her happiness to attend the huge gathering at Kalaigaon.Rong Bong Terang,who presided over the session recalled his meeting with Bishnu Rabha in Karbi hills.He said, Rabha used to play the traditional Karbi musical instruments instantly.According to him Asom Xahitya Xabha must try to do for the communal harmony among various ethnic groups of Assam.The cultural night in the evening was inaugurated by D.N.Hazarika,Circle Officer,Harisinga Revenue Circle (Tangla).where several distinguished singers like Samar Hazarika,Queen Das and Dilip Kumar Das etc performed to the delight of the people present.