Culture mission  Assamese culture Down Under. Yes, the rich culture of this land will be showcased in some select countries Down Under and Southeast Asia during a month-long sojourn of a Guwahati-based folk dance group. A twelve-member artistes team from Nataraj Gosthi, Khanapara has left for Australia, New Zealand and Malayasia on October 7 under the leadership of Mukut Bora. Sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, the troupe will present before the people of those countries the variegated folk traditions of Assam, including the Bihu dance, Ojah dhol display, Bhortal Nritya, Tokari Geet, Zhumur dance, etc. The other team members of Nataraj Gosthi are Dhan Kumar Bishaya, Ranjit Gogoi, Dwipen Bora, Prasanta Bora, Kalyanjeet Dutta, Mousumi Bora, Kanika Ingti, Sangeeta Gogoi, Mousumi Phukan, Pompi Hazarika and Devangana Chutia. Let’s hope, the Nataraj Gosthi troupe members with their sterling performance would be able to leave a deep impression of our rich culture in the minds of audience there.

Karbi couture  The Guwahatians had a rare taste of Karbi couture on October 3, thanks to the initiative of Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council and the Guwahati-based fashion house Kreative People. Billed ‘The Karbi Nite’, it was an evening of music and fashion where Karbi designs and motifs reigned supreme. While designer Prasantt Ghosh unveiled his latest range of ensembles based on Karbi designs, newcomers Shreya Singh of Guwahati and Mayuri Nath Das of Duliajan impressed the audience with their creative works as models, including Femina Miss India finalist Sujata Das and Miss Tilottoma winner Priyanka, walked the ramp donning these aesthetic delights. Another highlight of the show at the R&B Club, Geetanagar was the scintillating singing performance by Indian Idol 3 finalist Bhavin Dhanuk who rocked the audience with some latest hits.

Simanta / Mridumoloy