HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, May 17: Centuries after the legendary “Hari-Hara War” of Tezpur folklore, the epic confrontation between Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva came alive once again on stage here through a grand Bhaona performance enacted entirely by doctors. In a unique confluence of medicine and culture, 32 senior and junior male and female doctors from Tezpur staged the traditional Bhaona titled “Hari-Hara Yuddha” on Saturday night at the Hillbilly Marriage Hall premises in Majgaon, drawing thousands of spectators from across the town and neighbouring areas.
The performance recreated the celebrated mythological episode centred around the romance of Usha and Aniruddha and the ensuing battle between Lord Krishna (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara), leaving the audience immersed in heroism, devotion and nostalgia associated with Tezpur’s historic identity as the “City of Blood”. Organised jointly by the Progressive Doctors’ Artists’ Society of Tezpur and the Tezpur branch of the Indian Medical Association, the Bhaona showcased the artistic talents of doctors who, despite their demanding medical duties, devoted nearly one-and-a-half months to rehearsals held every evening and late into the night.
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The production was directed by noted Sattriya artiste Dilip Bora of Da-Parbatia, who also performed as the Sutradhar, with support from other Sattriya artistes. Senior physician Dr Pradip Kumar Sarma portrayed the role of Brahma, while Dr Satyajit Bora, president of the Assam State branch of the Indian Medical Association, enacted the role of Lord Shiva. Popular paediatrician Dr Rupam Das played Lord Krishna and Dr Dipen Mahanta portrayed the powerful King Bana. Dr Atul Kumar Kalita appeared as Bana’s commander Prasenjit, Dr Anjumani Chetia portrayed Goddess Bhagawati, and Dr Archana Das enacted the role of Parvati. Dr Pinaki Raj Kalita played Balabhadra, while Dr Ranjan Kumar Mahanta portrayed Indra. Among other notable performances, Dr Ankumani Baruah enacted Aniruddha, Dr Kashmita Bhattacharyya portrayed Usha, Dr Rana Mukut Keot appeared as Vishwakarma, senior gynaecologist Dr Palashmoni Keot played Narada, and physician Dr Piyuz Agarwala enacted the role of Indrasena.
The organisers and participants received widespread appreciation for their efforts to preserve and promote the cultural legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and Tezpur’s legendary folklore among younger generations. Audience members lauded the doctors not only for their dedication to healthcare but also for their commitment to Assamese culture and traditional performing arts. It may be mentioned that the same group of doctors had earlier staged the Bhaona “Karna Parva”, which had also earned acclaim across the State.
