Sivasagar cultural troupe stages Rukmini Haran in New Delhi amid wide accolades

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: The national capital came alive with the staging of ankiya bhaona as hundreds, including young and old alike and mostly non-Assamese people, turned up to witness a traditional rendition of the great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva’s creation Rukmini Haran.

A new chapter in the history of the prestigious auditorium of Shri Ram Centre at Mandi House in New Delhi was scripted when Rukmini Haran ankiya bhaona was staged on April 26. The event was jointly organized by Sibsagar Natya Samaj, Sivasagar and Kala Bihar Sangeet Vidyalaya, Sivasagar, in collaboration with ONGC. The event was inaugurated by eminent Xattriya artist Dr. Bhabananda Borbayan of Uttar Kamalabari Xattra by lighting a traditional earthen lamp in front of a respectful audience coming from various corners of New Delhi like Noida, Gurgaon, Dwarka and Vasant Kunj.

Rukmini Haran, centering around the Krishna-Rukmini love episode, conducted under the direction of Gobin Mahanta and Mrinali Mahanta Chaliha, left the audience awestruck. The troupe performed Rukmini Haran in Brajawali language.

Speaking after the event, DK Sarraf, retired CMD, ONGC said, “This is really unique. Such programmes should be organized so that people come to know about the rich culture of Assam.” He also appealed to other corporate houses to come forward to extend their support in organizing such events.

Ashok Verma, retired Director (Onshore), ONGC praised Saurav Chaliha, executive member and chief coordinator of Sibsagar Natya Samaj for giving the audience of New Delhi an opportunity to witness such a wonderful performance. He said, “We have never expected to witness a religious event like ankiya bhaona in New Delhi. It becomes possible only because of Chaliha’s relentless efforts.” He also applauded the students for their performance.

Dr. Bhabananda Borbayan, in his speech said, “I am glad to see that Srimanta Sankardeva’s idea of spreading the message of bhakti through bhaona has attracted the young students and they are trying to carry on the art form.” Applauding the artistes for their performance, VP Mahawar, retired Director (Onshore), ONGC said, “The event could happen due to tireless efforts of Saurav Chaliha.” He also expressed his satisfaction that the young artistes had put their best efforts to keep alive the rich culture of Assam.

Renowned film personality Pranjal Saikia said, “The prestigious auditorium Shri Ram Centre witnesses events every evening. But this is the first time we have experienced such a vibrant cultural aspect of Assam which is called ankiya bhaona. With this performance of Rukmini Haran, a creation of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, the auditorium has become pious.”

Dr Nilomoni Sarmah, renowned surgeon, Parag Sarma, Production Manager, NSD, New Delhi, Raju Das, Deputy Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademy and faculty and students of NSD also spoke on the occasion and praised the organizers for holding the event in New Delhi.

The event was anchored by Saurav Chaliha, who also delivered the welcome speech, felicitated the distinguished guests with a phulam gamosa and a memento. Chaliha also read out the message sent by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, in which he recalled the memories with Seuj Konwar Parag Chaliha and wished the event to be a grand success. Mrinali Mahanta Chaliha spoke about the objective of the event.

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