Efforts On To Bring Vrindavani Vastra: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday took part in the landmark initiative of the Dakhinpat Xatra in Majuli to reproduce the sacred ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ and spun yarn to be used at the production of the drape by weavers at the Xatra.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of a museum at the Xatra by the Cultural Affairs Department of the State government in a bid to scientifically preserve the valuable artifacts available at the Xatra.

The original ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ was produced during the 16th century by weavers of the State under the guidance of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. The ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ illustrates the childhood activities of Lord Krishna at Vrindavan. Parts of the original drape is presently preserved at Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Guimet Museum in Paris.

While speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the State government has taken up sincere efforts to bring the ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ back to Assam from Britain and Paris where it is being presently preserved in the museums. The Chief Minister said that the State Cultural Affairs department has already made all necessary studies on the issue and has prepared a roadmap to arrange for display of the sacred drape in Assam, stated a release.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highly lauded the initiative of the Dakhinpat Xatra to reproduce the sacred drape. He said that the step taken by the Xatra would facilitate the younger generation to understand the invaluable contribution and legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and introduce them with the unique weaving skill of the Assamese weavers.

Further the Chief Minister said that Dakhinpat Xatra is a treasure trove of large number of precious artifacts reflecting the rich socio-religious heritage of the State. He also observed that the initiative taken by the State Cultural Affairs department to build a museum in the Xatra would significantly help in scientific preservation of the artifacts.

Minister of State (in charge) for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley, Chairman of Assam Fishery Development Corporation Ramakanta Deuri and social worker Basistha Buzarbaruah also delivered speeches in the programme which was presided over by the Xatradhikar of Dakhinpat Xatra Nani Gopal Devgoswami.

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