Rongali – a three day festival to showcase and promote Assam kicks off in the capital
Rongali, Celebrating the essence of Assam started with much funfare on Friday at Veterinary Ground, Khanpara in Guwahati.
The Programme started with colourful dance performance presented by Meishing, Rabha, Dimasa and Karbi Autonomous Council.
The Festival was formally inaugurated by Sumitra Patir, Minister, Tourism Govt of Assam.
Patir called Rongali “a revolutionary step to promote tourism and build bridges.” She welcomed the travel writers, and tour operators coming from all over the country to watch Rongali.
The government would support regularly the initiative of Rongali. Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of Rongali said that Rongali would showcase the way of life of various tribes and communities – their colourful culture, fashion, ethnic food, magic of Mayong, Bhaona and more.
Mahanta said Spicejet is promoting Rongali in its boarding passes and its Spiceroute magazine all across the world. She also said Rongali would showcase the glorious history of Assam from Bhagadutta to Bhupen Hazarika.
In the evening, was a colourful musical performance by North East Breeze, Tarulota Kutum, Sajan Nayak, Khagen Gogoi and finally by Angarag Papon Mahanta. On Saturday, throughout the day, colourful cultural programmes were organised, including magic and traditional Assamese sports.
Ram Vijay Bhaon was presented by Sattriya Natya Kendra at 4.30 PM and was followed by an evening of music and fashion shows.
Rongali is an initiative of Trend MMS, famous for organizing the North East Festival and Sankaradeva Movement with support from Hotel & Restaurant Association and Assam Tourism.
Rongali would showcase the basic essence of Assam, its way of life of various tribes and communities, their food habits, the rich history of Assam from the days of Bhaskar Burman, Su Ka Pha, Sankaradeva upto the Great Bhupen Hazarika, its rich traditional handloom & handicrafts, delicious Assamese Foods and North Eastern Foods would be on display.
There are also colourful dance forms of various tribes and communities from around Assam – around 40 dance forms would be performed. There would also be Ankia bhaona, a unique form of dance drama initiated by Mahaprush Sankaradeva.
Assam has a rich history of traditional sports on display, as well as the traditional magic of Mayong.
The world famous Assam tea in its many varieties would be on display, and various unique tourism destinations/projects were showcased, and the key attractions were colourful evenings.
Rongali is the place to see many different facets of Assam in a Carnival atmosphere.
The main objective of Rongali is to attract tourists and to build bridges amongst the various communities of Assam. Several reputed tour operators visited Rongali to see the colourful display of Assam so they can bring visitors next year.
Rongali is an initiative of reputed Socio Cultural Trust Trend MMS, as a part of its North East Festival initiative with support from Hotel & Restaurant Association of Assam. Assam Tourism supports the initiatives.
