Bajali (Assam) [India], October 11 (ANI): As the Durga Puja festival is being celebrated, Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia that are beautiful ethnic folk dramas, have now become an integral part of Durga Puja celebrations, especially in the lower divisions of Assam.
Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia, which include folk dance, drama, music, and circus, have been performed in most districts of lower divisions of Assam, including Kamrup, Goalpara, Barpeta, and Nalbari.
During the Durga Puja festival, the Dhulia, who in Assam known for playing different sizes of Dhols or drums performs its dance, drama, and music in the puja pandals.
Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass said that, the Assam government has taken lots of initiatives to preserve and promote the ethnic and indigenous culture of Assam.
"Dhulia Dance is a traditional ancient culture of Assam. The artists perform circus, drama and they are trying to send various messages to the society through their act. To preserve and promote this centuries old culture, the puja committees have organised programmes for Dhulia. Puppet dance, Ojapali are also very ancient culture of Assam and the puja committees are also trying to preserve the ancient folk culture. This time more than 70 Durga Puja pandals are in Barpeta, Bajali. The Assam government has taken initiatives to promote and preserve the ethnic, folk culture of Assam. Kaihati Dhulia is one of ethnic folk cultures, and we are trying to help the artists of the Dhulia teams," Ranjeet Kumar Dass said.
He also said that the state government led by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has provided financial assistance to the puja committees of the state.
"This year there are nearly 30,000 puja pandals across the state. In November this year the state government will organise a programme of Jhumur dance with 5000 artists. Earlier, 11000 dancers performed Bihu dance. Our government is very serious to preserve and promote our culture and we are working lots for it and will continue. Recently the Union government has granted Classical Language status to Assamese language," Ranjeet Kumar Dass said.
He stated that, the previous Congress goverment did not do more to promote and preserve our culture, language. (ANI)
