GUWAHATI, Dec 8 � At a time when traditional values have been crumbling down much to the concern of the senior populace and the young generation has been blindly imitating the West, a fresh breather has come here in the form of Raas and Bhaona.
This performing art that has its genesis in the Vaishnavite tradition of the State is gradually becoming an entertaining and educative experience for the Guwahatians. What is more important is that many young men and women have shown a keen interest in knowing more details about this art form.
�Basically, our assumption about the people of Guwahati has been that they are accustomed to the modern style of living and are followers of western culture. But this has been proved wrong by the young generation,� said Bobby Sarma Baruah, an artiste.
It needs to be mentioned here that Bobby and her husband Basanta have been organising Raas and Bhaona in the capital city since the last three years. This year, the event was held at the Assam Engineering Institute field here in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, Assam and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam. The five-day extravaganza that concluded on November 27 showcased the Sampurna Raas Leela of Krishna, a Mancha Bhaona, Maharathi Karna and a complete Bhaona, Nrisingha Yatra. The entire sequence of dance, music and acting was synchronised by Basanta.
�There was a sizeable presence of young people at the Raas and Bhaona festival this year. This proves that the young people love their culture and tradition,� said Bobby observing that this new interest of the young generation is an indication that it wants to go back to their roots.
�Without deviating from the tradition, we have endeavoured to bring Bhaona to the stage,� said Bobby, admitting that in this mega effort to popularise Raas and Bhaona, there would always be certain shortcomings which they would certainly correct.
