Assamese Dance Programme 2023

Assamese Dance Programme2023

“Celebrating Diversity – Celebrating Bharat”

18 June 2023 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | YWCA, Ashoka Road, New Delhi

Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

On Sunday, 18th June 2023, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized a vibrant Assamese Dance Programme at YWCA, Ashoka Road, New Delhi, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The cultural evening was dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage of Assam and the Northeast region of India, celebrating diversity as a unifying force in the spirit of national integration and harmony.

The programme began with reflections on India’s pluralism and the cultural richness of the “Seven Sisters” of the Northeast, known for their colorful costumes, rhythmic folk traditions, and vibrant artistic expressions that transcend linguistic and regional boundaries. Rev. Fr. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, welcomed the gathering and reaffirmed the Centre’s mission to promote peace and harmony through inter-religious dialogue, literature, art, and cultural interaction.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Umakant Lakhera, President of the Press Club of India, and Shri Pranjal Pratim Das, Joint Secretary of the Northeast Media Forum, who emphasized the importance of cultural ambassadors in fostering unity and peace. They appreciated the initiative of bringing Northeast traditions to the national capital as a means of strengthening mutual understanding.

The evening featured captivating performances by artists from Sattriya traditions and other Assamese cultural groups. The presentations included Sattriya (Hot Chair), a classical monastery-based dance associated with the Bhakti movement; Devarahi, a thousand-year-old temple dance tradition; the energetic Bihu, celebrating the spirit of spring with traditional instruments such as dhol, peppa, and taal; Bottle Knitter, a dynamic dance form characterized by whirling movements and choral songs; and Abhinaya, a dramatic performance inspired by the Bhagavad Purana, narrating the story of Ajamil and the transformative power of chanting the Lord’s name.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks expressing gratitude to the artists, dignitaries, and audience. The evening ended on a joyful note with a surprise birthday celebration for Fr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, marked by a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing fellowship and shared celebration.

The Assamese Dance Programme once again demonstrated the Chavara Cultural Centre’s commitment to strengthening unity in diversity and promoting peace through the beauty of India’s cultural traditions.