Durga Puja in Assam: Celebrating with Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia Folk Dramas
In Assam, India, the Durga Puja festival is celebrated with vibrant ethnic folk dramas known as Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia. These performances, which include dance, drama, music, and circus acts, have become a key part of the festivities, especially in the lower divisions of Assam such as Kamrup, Goalpara, Barpeta, and Nalbari.
Preserving Assam’s Cultural Heritage
Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass highlighted the government’s efforts to preserve and promote the state’s ethnic and indigenous culture. The Dhulia, known for playing various sizes of drums, perform their traditional acts in puja pandals, sending important messages to society through their art. Other ancient cultural forms like puppet dance and Ojapali are also being preserved by puja committees.
Government Support and Initiatives
The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has provided financial assistance to puja committees and is organizing cultural programs to support artists. This year, nearly 30,000 puja pandals are set up across the state. In November, a Jhumur dance program with 5,000 artists will be held, following a previous event with 11,000 Bihu dancers. The government is committed to preserving Assam’s culture, as evidenced by the recent granting of Classical Language status to the Assamese language.
Doubts Revealed
Durga Puja -: Durga Puja is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India, especially in the eastern states like West Bengal and Assam. It honors the goddess Durga and her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival includes prayers, cultural performances, and community gatherings.
Assam -: Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and wildlife. It is home to diverse ethnic communities and languages, with Assamese being the official language.
Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia -: Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia are traditional folk dramas from Assam. They combine elements of dance, drama, music, and sometimes circus acts, and are performed during festivals like Durga Puja to entertain and engage the community.
Folk Dramas -: Folk dramas are traditional plays that are part of a community’s cultural heritage. They often include music, dance, and storytelling, and are performed during festivals and special occasions to preserve cultural traditions.
Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass -: Ranjeet Kumar Dass is a political leader in Assam, serving as a minister in the state government. He is involved in initiatives to promote and preserve Assam’s cultural heritage.
Classical Language status -: Classical Language status is a recognition given to languages in India that have a rich heritage and history. It helps in preserving and promoting the language and its literature, ensuring it is taught and studied in educational institutions.
