GUWAHATI, March 17 � The Brihattor Guwahati Bihu Sanmilanee Samannay Rakshi Samiti on Friday announced that artistes would not be paid above Rs 70,000 for performing at any Bihu Sanmilanee in the capital city this year.
Addressing media persons here, the functionaries of the Samiti said that artistes become very business minded during Bihu which was a sign of dishonour to the traditional festival and the sentiments of the public as well.
�The Bihu Sanmilanees in Guwahati, some of which are more than 50 years old, have been making every effort to promote the cultural heritage of the State and to provide a platform to the budding talents. But regrettably the artistes have adopted a commercial approach and they demand exorbitant money for performing,� said Pranab Goswami, general secretary of the Samiti.
It needs to be mentioned here that artistes who readily perform at Rs 10,000 at other time demand not less than Rs 50,000 during Bihu. It is a well know fact that some of the reputed names in the cultural world demand between Rs 5 to 7 lakh to perform at the cultural functions.
�The Bihu Sanmilanees have been celebrating the festival from April 13 to 16 over the years as per the conventions of the Assamese society and with support from the public. We have nothing to say if the artistes make high demands during other times of the Bohag month. But they should not demand such high prices during the Bihu days that is between April 13 to 16,� said Rana Goswami, president of the Samiti.
The Samiti has a membership of 15 and it informed that if necessary it would get in touch with the government with the request of a cultural exchange programme with other States during Bihu.
