‘Phat Bihu to be included in tourism map of Assam, Mohghuli Chapori to be enhanced to tourism hub’
A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Government of Assam would initiate necessary steps to include Phat Bihu in the tourism map of Assam and enhance the Mohghuli Chapori, the Phat Bihu celebration venue on the bank of River Charikoriya, as the tourism hub of the State. The Chief Minister said so while attending the festival in Dhakuakhana of Lakhimpur district on Sunday.
Referring to the dignity of Bihu in the State, the Chief Minister said, “With the union of self-confidence, heritage and courage, Bihu has turned out to be the symbol of integration among the castes and communities of the state. The festival, enriched with the folk culture of the farming people, inspires all to go ahead with a strong cultural consciousness. Our cordial relationship with nature, diverse community cultures of the State are involved with the spring festival. Bihu can be termed as the original culture of the State. It originated as the result of the assimilation of the cultural resources of the various castes and communities of the State. Bihu is the identity of of Assam and lifeline of the Assamese community.”
Throwing light upon the history of the Phat Bihu, the Chief Minister said, “The Phat Bihu is the ancestral property of various tribes and communities living in Dhakuakhana. This festival has carried the message of harmony and integration. The festival has a historical importance. During the regime of the Ahom dynasty, Phat Bihu received national and international recognition. People of Bhutan, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh had embraced this festival and took part in its celebration. How a culture can assume its vitality by evolving through the riverine life, it can be imagined by witnessing the Phat Bihu celebration. The colourful celebration of the Phat Bihu will certainly add a new dimension to the the tourism sector of the State. Doul Utsav of Barpeta, Barechahariya Bhaona of Jamugurihat, Phat Bihu of Dhakuakhana, Ali A:ye Li:gang of Dhemaji, Me-Dam-Me-Phi of Sivasagar, Raas Utsav of Majuli, including other various festivals, have carried the bright potentials of the cultural tourism in the State.”
The Chief Minister lauded the endeavours of the Phat Bihu Samiti, Phat Bihu Celebration Committee for organizing the festival with success every year. Along with the Chief Minister, the festival was attended by Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah, Dhakuakhana MLA Naba Kumar Doley, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council CEM Tuliram Ranghang, chairperson of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Rhituparna Baruah and several dignitaries.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and the dignitaries visited the Basudev Than Naruwa Xatra, the noted Vaishnav Peeth of the north-eastern region, located in Dhakuakhana. The Xatra Development and Management Committee along with the Xatradhikar gave the Chief Minister a warm felicitation. Further, the Xatra Development and Management Committee submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging him for taking steps to develop the Xatra. The Chief Minister assured that the Government of Assam would initiate necessary steps to turn the Xatra into a centre for socio-cultural activities like the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra.
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