Featured
Assam: 150-year-old Traditional boat race held in Bajali
The bank of Pahumara river here in Bajali subdivision of Barpeta district wore a festive look today with the decorative kahua – harbinger of autumn on both banks of the river. Around 10,000 people gathered on the bank of river Pahumara on Tuesday evening to witness the traditional boat race at Medhikuchi of Bajali sub-division of Barpeta district in Assam.
At a time when some of traditional events are on the verge of extinction, people of Medhikuchi village undertook this praiseworthy effort.
In fact, they have been holding the event of boat race competition for more than 150 years now.
On Tuesday, the bank of Pahumara River in Bajali sub-division of Barpeta district wore a festive look with the decorative kahua – harbinger of autumn on both banks of the river and thousands of jubilant audience thronged to enjoy a rare event of traditional boat race on the day of Bijoya Dashami.
Local people informed that such boat races have been a tradition of the locality for more than 150 years.
But the villagers have been organizing it in a systematic manner since the last five decades.
This year too, on the Bijoya Dashami day, it was no different as around 10,000 people gathered on the banks of Pahumara River to witness the annual event.
At least 600 meters of distance was fixed for the competition.
The race started from a specific point of Pahumara river near No 2 Medhikuchi, about five kms from Pathsala, which is popularly known as the ‘Member Ghat.’
With the kohuwa on both the sides of the river playing the perfect backdrop of autumn, the cheering crowd put an extra dimension to the competition.
The rowers with colourful attire also provided a lyrical touch to the competition as they sang rhythmic songs playing ‘taal’ while navigating their boats with ores. The rowers took part with full enthusiasm.
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NORTHEAST
Woman cuts off man’s genitals for refusing to marry her; Hospitalized
In a shocking incident, A woman allegedly chopped off the genitals of his brother-in-law with whom she allegedly had an illicit relationship in Lower Assam’s Bajali district.
As per reports, the incident took place on September 23 when the woman attacked her brother-in-law after the latter refused her marriage proposal.
The injured man was rushed to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment in Guwahati.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Saiful Islam.
According to locals, Islam was involved in a secret affair with his sister-in law.
The two were in a love affair for the last seven years, reportedly taking advantage of times when her husband was away.
In a violent turn of events, she allegedly attacked him and severed his genitals. Police quickly intervened, arresting the woman and initiating an investigation into the incident. They also recovered the weapon used in the attack from the scene.
Featured
Assam’s Mobile Theatre journey since 1960s
The mobile theatre of Assam, also known as Bhramyaman Theatre, is a unique and vibrant form of theatre that originated in the state of Assam, India where Achyut Lakhar gave birth to Mobile theatre in Pathsala town in the 1960s. Every year the theatre groups travel from place to place with their cast, crew, musicians, dancers and everything required to set the stage, to perform in villages, towns, and cities across Assam.
During the theatre season Pathsala town turned festivity where thousands of people gathered in one place to see plays of ‘Awahan Theatre’, ‘Kohinoor Theatre’, ‘Rajmukut Theatre’, ‘Rajlakhsmi Theatre’. It’s like a festival for the people. The plays often focus on social issues, family drama, mythology, and folklore, as well as contemporary topics like politics and corruption which the audience loves it.
The Theatre group continues to attract audiences on live stage without the use of special effects like green or blue screens, or 3D or 5D technology. During the show many actors injured by accident on live stage.
Earlier, plays like ‘Titanic’ attracted audience without a single drop of water on stage, and ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Ramayana’ also attracted audience.
The groups give employment scope to more than 5000 people. There are more than 30 mobile theatres in Assam, where more than 100 to 150 people work in every group.
Tapan Lahkar, producer of Kohinoor Theatre, reflected on the theatre’s legacy, saying, “Kohinoor Theatre has proudly completed 49 years. Every artist in our group puts in immense effort. In the past, we managed to make our play ‘Titanic’ a success without a single drop of water or any special effects—it was a significant challenge for my father. Similarly, our productions of ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Mahabharat,’ and ‘Ramayan’ captivated audiences long before they were ever seen on television.”
Prastuti Parashar, producer of Awahan Theatre, emphasized the cultural importance of mobile theatre, stating, “Mobile theatre has played a crucial role in promoting Assamese culture, language, and identity while providing both entertainment and social commentary to audiences across the state. Awahan Theatre is like family to me, and we are committed to giving our best to entertain our audience. We tackle stories about family and political issues, always with a focus on Assamese culture. We also need the continued support of the people.”
Dhruba Talukdar, producer of Rajlakshmi Theatre, shared his passion for the art, saying, “I hail from Pathsala town, the birthplace of mobile theatre, founded by Achyut Lahkar. Inspired by the plays I watched as a child, I always dreamed of opening my own theatre. I aim to spread positive messages through our productions, addressing issues like global warming, social concerns, politics, and corruption. I take risks to fulfill my dreams, and I don’t believe that OTT platforms can ever replace the unique experience of mobile theatre.”
Manas Kalita, producer of Rajmukut Theatre, highlighted the challenges faced by performers, noting, “Performing on a live stage is not easy. Many actors have been injured during shows, yet they continue to perform with dedication. Every actor and staff member works incredibly hard in mobile theatre.”
Finally, Giridhor Choudhury, a senior citizen from Bajali, expressed his deep connection to the tradition, saying, “Assam’s mobile theatre groups are an integral part of our culture and should live on forever. It’s an emotion for the Assamese people. Since 1963, mobile theatre has provided employment opportunities to many in Assam. Today, there are more than 30 mobile theatres in the state, each employing 100 to 150 people. In total, 4,000 to 5,000 individuals are engaged in this vibrant tradition.”
Assam
Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributs forms of MMNMA scheme at Bhattadev University and NH collage
After Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ scheme in Assam to prevent child marriage, Assam’s cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass distributed forms of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Asoni scheme at Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi.
The scheme to provide monetary benefits to girl students every month in order to put an end to child marriages. This scheme will be awarded to around 10 lakh girls.This scheme is a monthly financial assistance scheme to fight against child marriage. Girls who are studying in HS, graduation and post-graduation level will get this government’s financial support.
During the programme Ranjeet Kumar Dass said, “Heartfelt thanks Assam CM for the CM’s Nijut Moina Scheme, a game-changer for Assam’s meritorious students.”
“There are many families in my constituency that can pay their daughter only Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 a month for the expenses of studying in the university. But now at least such economically backward meritorious students do not have to leave their studies.
“Today we distributed forms in Bhattadev University in Pathsala and NH college in Patacharkuchi in presence of Bajali district administration, students and staffs.
Meanwhile, the students of the university expressed happiness after the scheme launched by the Assam government.
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