Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Sahaj Parav to showcase Assam�s culture

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 31 - This year, popular singer Simanta Shekhar will be presenting Assam�s folk songs at Sahaj Parav � the three-day root music festival that got under way in Kolkata today. A glimpse of Assam�s Sattriya culture is also being showcased at the festival under the initiative of Byatikram MASDO.

The Sahaj Parav that has been highlighting the rich cultural treasure trove of the country will conclude on August 2 and will be attended by folk artistes from across the country. The festival is being held at Kolkata�s Rabindra Sadan. An exhibition is also being organised at Gaganendra Exhibition Hall. Masks related to Assam�s Sattriya culture are showcased in the exhibition.

The festival is being organised this year by Dohar and Lopamudra Productions in association with Byatikram MASDO and Dr Paul�s Multispeciality Clinic. President of Byatikram MASDO, Dr Saumen Bharatiya, while interacting with media persons here on Thursday, said that last year the Sahaj Parav started in Kolkata and the root music festival had an exhibition of Assam�s Sattriya dance photographs. Photographer Manmarami Mahanta was herself present with her exhibits which won the hearts of the viewers.

�This year too Assam�s rich tradition of Sattriya masks will be on display and we hope that in the coming days more people from across the country will become aware about the State�s rich cultural legacy,� said Bharatiya, adding that Simanta Shekhar will be performing Bihu songs in the festival on Saturday.

Simanta Shekhar, who was also present in the press conference held at Guwahati Press Club, said that more such programmes on folk music should be organised. �I am hopeful that my performance at this festival will attract the attention of the people towards our beautiful culture,� said the singer.

This year�s Sahaj Parav, inaugurated by folk singer Teejan Bai, will also see the participation of eminent flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Keralite baul singer Parvathy Baul, music director Shantanu Moitra, shehnai maestro Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan, Bangladesh�s baul artiste Dilbahar and qawwali singer Munawar Masoom and a host of other folk artistes.

Next Story