| Matir Gaan at Bihutoli One of the highlights of the  cultural show at Pub-Guwahati Bihutoli was a programme of folk songs by Umadasi Baul, dance by Sadhan Riyang of Tripura, and songs by local singers Abhishruti Bezbaruah and Jina Rajkumari Goswami, who had planned the presentation. The programme, titled Matir Gaan, had Baul songs by Umasadi Baul, who performed in the traditional way and regaled the audience. Sadhana Riyang enthralled the audience with the Hajagiri dance. Abhishruti and Jina won the hearts of the spectators with their presentations of Bihu-Bangeet and Assamese folk songs. The team, under the banner of Samanayar Borluit, proposes to present the said Matir Gaan in various places of Assam in the near future. |
| Bihu at Japorigog Bihu was celebrated in a befitting manner for the 20th year, under the auspices of the Japorigog Rongali Bihu Udjapan Samiti, from April 14 to 16, at the Japorigog Janajati Yubak Sangha playground. Various competitions were held, along with cultural shows on all the days. The Bihu flag was hoisted by Dr Paramesh Chandra Mishra, president of the samiti. The open session on April 14 was held with Dinesh Chandra Deka, director, Information and Public Relations, Assam as the chief guest, while Dr Purna Bhattacharya inaugurated the show. The cultural show on the day was opened by Ramkrishna Talukdar. At the outset, singer Apurba Kumar Das, who presented a few songs, was felicitated by the organisers. The highlights of the programme included competition of Jeng Bihu, Satriya dances by the students of Nartan Kala Kendra, Bihu led by Ranjit Gogoi, etc. The cultural show on April 16 was opened by Bhanurashmi, founder of Tejaswhini Dance Institute. Incidentally, the young Assamese dancer has made a mark in the Tamil film world as a dancer-actress. Her latest film is Kadil Kadi, directed by KG Gurushankar. |
| Chitralekha Awards to Ajan Faquir Saheb Ajan Faquir  Saheb, a feature film produced by Bani Kalita and directed by Asif Iqbal, was adjudged as the Best Assamese Film of 2008 and won the Chitralekha Award of the United TV and Filmmakers Association. Besides, several awards went to the film in various categories, such as Best director – Asif Iqbal, Best music director – Dwijen Konwar, Best screenplay writer – Prabhat Goswami and Best supporting actress – Malaya Goswami.Incidentally, the film conveys the message of age old harmony among Hindus and Muslims in Assam, as preached by legendary Ajan Faquir Saheb. Presently, the film is being shown before a packed gathering at various places of Assam, and has earned appreciation. The bold attempt by Asif Iqbal to handle such a theme deserves praise. Asif has shown promise as an independent director with the film, though he has carved a niche for himself with a number of successful TV serials and documentaries to his credit. The film with universal appeal deserves exhibition all over the country and outside. In this regard, Assamese NRIs can take the initiative to organise shows in the USA, UK and other places. |
| Achievement Sekharjyoti Rabidas, a young tabla  player, has been granted scholarship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for higher training in classical music for two years. Earlier, he had won a scholarship from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam. He has earned a reputation for his solo tabla recitals in different parts of India. A BMus in tabla from Bhatkhande University of Lucknow, Sekharjyoti got a first class in BA from Rabindra Bharati University, and is presently preparing for post graduation. Eldest son of musician Rajkumar Rabidas and Bijoya Bora Rabidas, Sekharjyoti learnt the tabla under Heramba Prasad Bordoloi and Paban Bordoloi. He is presently undergoing training from Bishwajit Bhattacharya of Kolkata.The Rohdoi Jeng Bihu troupe of Nalbari Japarkuchi has earned fame with their performances in Bihutolis. The team is led by former Bihu Kunwari and Satriya dancer Eva Barman Haloi, with Leena Deka as the chief patron and Papori Kalita as the anchor. |
Apurba Kumar Das