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A call for peace

Assam has been hitting the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Reeling under communal violence, Assam is now trying to promote communal harmony and with such an objective in mind, the state would be commemorating the philosophy of the 15 century saint Srimanta Sankaradeva, who propagated peace and unity through arts.

Bringing the flavour of Assam, the event will screen a documentary on Srimanta Sankaradeva. Shankardeva is a 15th century Assamese social reformer, saint and scholar who succeeded in unifying the heterogeneous society of Assam with his ideas and teachings. His philosophy and teachings have over time taken root in the Assamese society. 

The one-day festival is organised by Assam Association and the government of Assam, Ministry of DoNER [Development of North Eastern Region] and Ministry of Culture, GoI.  

The organisers hope to spread the message of hope and love through various art forms like music [Borgeet], dance [Sattriya], dance-drama [Bhaona including Ankiya Nat], and weaving [Vrindavani Vastra]. This is an attempt to shed some light on this reformer who is an epitome of peace in the Assamese society.

‘He [Sankaradeva] was multi-talented man who I have tried to profile. His contributions to the society will be largely shown in the docu-feature Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva: A Colossal Icon,’ said Dr Sanjib Sabhapandit, the director of the docu feature.

‘His life was difficult to portray as he is almost a god-like figure to the Assamese people,’ he added. 

The docu-feature will show how Sankardeva had allowed women into the worship house 500 years ago when people had never allowed women inside religious places. ‘What I meant here is that he had such an open-minded attitude,’ said Sabhapandit.

 There will also be one hour Jhumura performance. Enacted will be the dance-drama Chordhora Jhumura. Jhumura represents the creations of Gurujana like Sattriya, Nitya and Geet. 

‘The story is of child Krishna.  Here the sutradhar [storyteller] explains the story. This drama was first produced by Madhav Dav, an ardent disciple of Shankardev,’ said Shyam Kanu Mahanta, chief director, Chordhora Jhumura. 


DETAILS

At: Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House
On Till: 13 September
Timings: 7 pm onwards
Phone: 23388084
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