Assam CM Sarma visits Durga Puja Pandal of Guwahati University

Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 12 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday visited the Durga Puja Pandal of Guwahati University and offered prayers on the occasion of Dussehra.

“On the occasion of #MahaNavami, I offer my heartfelt prayers to Maa Durga. May she give us the strength to take Assam to new heights of growth and prosperity,” CM Sarma said in a post on X.

Ethnic folk dramas Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia, have now become an integral part of the Durga Puja celebrations, especially in the lower divisions of Assam. Kamrupia and Kaihati Dhulia, which include folk dance, drama, music, and circus, have been performed in most districts of lower divisions of Assam, including Kamrup, Goalpara, Barpeta, and Nalbari.

During the Durga Puja, the Dhulia, who in Assam is known for playing different sizes of Dhols or drums performs its dance, drama, and music in the puja pandals.

Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass said that the Assam government has taken lots of initiatives to preserve and promote the ethnic and indigenous culture of Assam.

Ranjeet Kumar Dass said that Dhulia Dance is a traditional ancient culture of Assam. He added that the artists perform circus and drama and they are trying to send various messages to society through their acts.

“To preserve and promote this centuries-old culture, the puja committees have organized programmes for Dhulia. Puppet dance and Ojapali are also very ancient cultures of Assam and the puja committees are also trying to preserve the ancient folk culture. This time more than 70 Durga Puja pandals are in Barpeta, Bajali. The Assam government has taken initiatives to promote and preserve the ethnic, folk culture of Assam. Kaihati Dhulia is one of the ethnic folk cultures, and we are trying to help the artists of the Dhulia teams,” the minister said.