Rongali kicks off in city

Guwahati, April 3: A three-day festival, christened as ‘Rongali, Celebrating the essence of Assam’ started with much fanfare today at Veteriry Ground in Khapara. The programme started with a colourful dance performance presented by artistes from Meishing, Rabha, Dimasa and Karbi Autonomous Council.

The Festival was formally iugurated by State tourism minister Sumitra Patir.

Patir said that the festival was a revolutiory step to promote tourism and building bridges.

She welcomed the travel writers, tour operators coming from all over the country to watch Rongali. She said that the government would support the initiative of Rongali every year.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of Rongali, informed that the festival would showcase the way of life of various tribes and communities, the colourful culture, fashion, ethnic food, magic of Mayong, Bhao etc.

Mahanta informed that Spicejet is promoting Rongali in its boarding passes and its Spiceroute magazine all across the world. Mahanta also informed that Rongali would showcase the glorious history of Assam from Bhagadutta to Bhupen Hazarika. In the evening, a colourful musical show was performed by North East Breeze, Tarulota Kutum, Sajan yak, Khagen Gogoi and Angarag Papon Mahanta.

Tomorrow, besides a colourful cultural programme, magic shows and traditiol sports of Assam will be held.

Ram Vijay Bhao would be presented by Xattriya tya Kendra at 4.30 PM and followed by a music and fashion show, a press release stated.

Rongali is an initiative of Trend MMS famous for organizing North East Festival and Sankaradeva Movement with support from Hotel & Restaurant Association and Assam Tourism.