Desang-Brahmaputra Festival gets underway

HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Dec 26: The four-day Desang-Brahmaputra Festival, organised by Desang–Brahmaputra Eco-Tourism Development Committee in association with Sivasagar district administration and Mising Autonomous Council got underway amidst the New Year festive environment in Desangmukh on Monday.
Sivasagar MLA and a pioneering figure in the field of eco-tourism development in the state Akhil Gogoi inaugurated the festival. In his speech, Gogoi spoke of his plan to exploit the huge tourism potential of the region.
He said that there are plans for widening the Hatibaruah Road to Desangmukh, implementing the 8 km long erosion protection measures along the Brahmaputra, and upgrading the Dr B R Ambedkar Junior College into a government college. He also encouraged the local youths to do self-sustaining economic activities and marketing the local products. Gogoi added that the most important thing in eco-tourism development is a change in the behaviour of the local people along with hospitality development.
Sivasagar DC Aditya Vikram Yadav lit the ceremonial lamp and urged the local people to reap the benefits of such festivals and earn money by selling local products to tourists that come from different regions. Punaram Mili, president of the celebration committee said that the festival, since 2006, has been a confluence of diverse cultures and people. The people of Desangmukh are all peace-loving and live in close proximity to nature. The festival gives them an opportunity to showcase their skill, products, and remarkable hospitality.
The chorus presented by the youths in the inaugural function was written by legendary cultural worker Bikram Sing Yien. It was followed by a competition for Mising soman (husori).
Bitupon Neog, ADC, Sivasagar, Madhob Das, tourism officer, and Dr Suroj Jyoti Gogoi were present as guests.
Earlier, Ami Ranjan Panging, president, Desang-Brahmaputra Eco-Tourism Development Committee, Punaram Mili, president of the celebration committee, Aswini Kumar Doley, chief co-ordinate, celebration committee and chairman, Zilla Parishad and Padmakanta Das, working president, celebration committee hoisted the flags. Mrinali Konwar, chairperson, Sivasagar Municipality Board, inaugurated the ethnic food stalls while Purusuttam Doley inaugurated the Mising Chang-ghar.
The festival organised near the Desang Brahmaputra confluence presents a picturesque scenario for the tourists and hundreds of picnickers camping on the sandbars of the river enjoying the festive environment. The para-gliders have added to the attraction of the festival just as the ethnic beverages, ethnic sports, costumes, and cultural programmes. The main attraction of the programme is the singing sensation, Pawandeep Rajan from Mumbai of Indian Idol fame.