GUWAHATI: The second day of the Rongali festival, a four-day extravaganza of ethnic diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurship, took place on Friday at the Khanapara Veterinary College Ground in Guwahati. The festival aims to promote the unique culture of the state and celebrate its diversity through a series of events and activities.
The Literary Adda was one of the highlights of the day, featuring prominent writers such as Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Nilim Kumar, Garima Saikia Garg, Pradyumn Gogoi, Angshuman Bora, Monikuntala Bhattacharya, Pradyumna Goswami, Pradyumna Gogoi, and others.
Later in the evening, the musical performances also drew large crowds, with popular bands including Kalyanjit and the Folk Brothers, Miri the Band, Sannidhya Bhuyan, and Goldie Sohel with Zubeen Garg making special appearances. The diverse musical line-up showcased the rich musical heritage of the state and added to the festive spirit of the occasion. Another main stage highlight of the second day was the release of the poster and song for popular actor and director of the Assamese film industry Jatin Bora's new film Raghav.
The fashion show was another highlight of the day, featuring pure Assamese attire and designs by Payal Goswami, Emanuel Singson, and Garima Saikia Garg. Zubeen Garg and Ravi Sarma stole the show, walking the ramp as showstoppers for Garima Saikia Garg. One of the most popular attractions at the Rongali festival was the Vocal for Local exhibition, which showcased locally made products and drew large crowds.
According to Yangerla Jamir of Nagaland, a participant at the exhibition and owner of a manufacturing unit in Dimapur, "We sell our products online as well as through retail counters, and we visit exhibitions throughout the country. Our products are small and fast-selling fashion items, and we weave Naga shawls with embroidery, which is in great demand." The Vocal for Local exhibition was a great platform for local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their talent and connect with a wider audience.
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