A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: The folk songs and folk dances of the Mising community, which is rich in cultural heritage, are not only the notable and unique part of the State’s culture but also of the entire nation. At present, however, the adherence to the western culture has caused an adverse impact on the culture of this community. With a view to keep the uniqueness of the culture of the community, a special programme was organized in Dhakuakhana on Sunday. The programme, titled as Mising Lokageet and Lokanritya Utsav- 2019 (Mising Folk song and Folk dance Festival-2019), was organized by Narayanpur Sanskritik Kendra under the Directorate of Culture, Government of Assam, at Dhakuakhana Janajati Kristi Bikash Kendra.
The event was inaugurated by Dhakuakhana subdivisional Agriculture Officer Bhavajit Doley. In his speech, Bhavajit Doley lamented that the aggression of western culture and so-called modernity had gradually engulfed the culture of the Mising community, which is the largest ethnic tribe of the State after the Bodos.
“Drastic changes have been observed in the use and style of the traditional attires and ornaments of the community. Similar changes have affected the presentation of the folk dances and lyrics of the folksongs along with with the folk musical instruments. It is the need of the hour that we should preserve them,” he said.
The event began with the welcome address delivered by Lakhimpur District Cultural Development Officer Bidyadhar Deori. Retired Vice-Principal of Dhakuakhana College, Basanti Morang graced the occasion as guest of honor. Several Mising cultural teams of Dhakuakhana and North Lakhimpur presented Mising folk dances like Mibu: Abang, Lereli, Celloya, and Gumrag as well as folk songs.