MANGALDAI, Nov 24: Sipajhar MLA Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the centenary celebration of the erstwhile undivided Darrang District Koch-Rajbongshi Conference, underscoring the community’s capacity to provide leadership and drive transformative change in Assam.
Scheduled from December 12 to 14 at Dighirpar in Darrang district, the grand three-day event will showcase Koch-Rajbongshi art, culture and the broader Darrang cultural heritage. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Rajbongshi also highlighted the return of the historic Vrindavani Bastra from London, noting its creation by Maharaja Naranarayan and warrior Chilarai as a proud chapter of Assamese history.
The public meeting following the foundation stone laying outlined extensive arrangements for the centenary. Gautam Saharia of the Cultural Sub-Committee stated that cultural performances will highlight the community’s artistic heritage. Simanta Deka of the Reception Sub-Committee shared that traditional dishes, including ‘Mati Mahor Dali,’ sunga pitha, til pitha and coconut laddoos will be served by community women over the three days. Finance Sub-Committee president Bireshwar Deka said the total budget for the event will exceed Rs 60 lakh.
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Other speakers included district committee secretary Hiranya Rajbongshi, noted litterateur Dr Ramchandra Deka and former district president Antiram Deka. Celebration committee secretary Dhiren Deka requested cooperation for state-level essay, drawing and quiz competitions to be held on December 2 and 7. Fifty female dancers performed the traditional Gowalini dance during the event.
The centenary committee has appointed Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi as president, Nandeshwar Deka as working president and Dhiren Deka as secretary, with 12 sub-committees already formed. Publicity Sub-Committee president Hitesh Hazarika said the event will highlight the glorious history of the Koch kingdom for the new generation.
Around 1.5 lakh people are expected to attend the centenary, with performances by approximately 10,000 artistes. The final day will feature a grand procession representing Assam’s diverse ethnic cultures, involving around 20,000 participants. Representatives and well-wishers from across Assam are expected and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has been invited to the open session.
The three cultural evenings will feature performances by popular singers including Manasi Saharia, Kamalika Kashyap and Jubilee Barua, celebrating the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Koch-Rajbongshi community.
