GUWAHATI, March 8 � Melodious Gayan Bayan, intangible Bharatanatyam, the warrior-like zeal and powerful stances of Mayurbhanj Chhau and the enchanting graceful movements of Mohiniattam � every performance enthralled the classical dance enthusiasts on Saturday at Shraddhanjali Kanan, which witnessed the opening ceremony of the 7th Pragjyoti International Dance Festival.
The chief guest of the opening ceremony was theatre activist and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Dulal Roy. Also present on the occasion were Ashutosh Agnihotri, Secretary and Commissioner of Assam Tourism and Pritom Saikia, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam.
Agnihotri, while speaking on the occasion, said, �This festival is a wonderful initiative to promote the culture of Assam and the north-eastern region through the medium of dance. This event needs to be supported by one and all, so that the message reaches throughout the world. I appreciate Kalpa for taking up this project and wish it a grand success.�
Pritom Saikia said that the fetsival is a brilliant initiative to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the north-eastern region. �The government will always offer all possible support to keep such initiatives going, as they not only help showcase various facets of our culture to the world, but also increase awareness about the same among our young generation,� he added.