Himanta Biswa Sarma visits Gauhati University Durga Puja pandal, highlights cultural traditions

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the Durga Puja Pandal at Gauhati University on Saturday to offer prayers during the Dussehra celebrations. 

In a post on X, he expressed his wishes for strength and prosperity for Assam on the occasion of Maha Navami.

Ethnic folk dramas such as Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia have become integral to the Durga Puja celebrations, particularly in the lower regions of Assam.

These performances, which include folk dance, drama, music, and circus, are showcased in various districts including Kamrup, Goalpara, Barpeta, and Nalbari.

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During the festivities, the Dhulia, known in Assam for playing various sizes of Dhols or drums, perform dances, dramas, and music in the puja pandals. Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass highlighted the government's efforts to preserve and promote the ethnic and indigenous culture of Assam.

Minister Dass emphasized that Dhulia Dance is an ancient cultural tradition in Assam. 

He noted that the artists convey messages to society through their performances, which include circus and drama. The puja committees have organized programmes to preserve this centuries-old culture, including puppet dance and Ojapali, which are also ancient traditions.

This year, more than 70 Durga Puja pandals are present in Barpeta and Bajali.

The Assam government has initiated efforts to promote and preserve the ethnic and folk culture of Assam, with a focus on supporting the artists of the Dhulia teams.