Rabha Divas is celebrated in the Assam state to honor the well-known Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha. His contribution towards the betterment of the state is always cherished, hence, people observe Rabha Divas on 20th June of each and every year. Bishnu Prasad Rabha's great offerings have made a remarkable impact on the culture as well as the literature of the state.
Bishnu Prasad Rabha had gained immense popularity in the field of Assamese music as he is considered to be one of its pioneers. He is popularly known as the Kalaguru among the Assamese community. His talent was not limited only to music, he had bestowed marvelous works to the literature of Assam. Thus, being a multi-talented personality, he had achieved fame as a dramatist, poet, dancer, and actor.
His contribution towards the advancement of Assam is beyond its culture and literature. He stood up against British rule and completely revolted against wage slavery and capitalism. He was an active member in the struggle for liberation and freedom. He devoted his existence and vitality to the cause of independence. His objectives were always focused on the liberation from deprivation, poverty, and corruption of society.
Bishnu Prasad Rabha had also participated in the armed revolutionary crusade of RCPI which stands for Revolutionary Communist Party of India. Such a participation was directed towards the achievement of liberation from the British Empire and the havoc of thelocal lords.
His greatness could be understood when he bestowed the peasants with his ancestral property of around 2500 bigha of land.His financial status deteriorated immensely, as a result of which he could not afford the treatment of his wife Kanaklata, who passed away due to her illness. But this did not stop him to help his people and devote all his efforts to their advancement.
Bishnu Rabha Prasad received the title of Kala Guru by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He is seen as the epitome of Nataraja and a heritage of the state. The songs composed by him are popularly known as RabhaSangeet.But, unfortunately, his demise took place in the year 1969. However, people haven't forgotten about his role in the development of Assam. Hence, 20th June is observed every year as Rabha Divas to commemorate him. To honor his talent and contributions, the government of the state bestows awards in the cultural genre or musical genre of Assam every year.
Moreover, a commemorative park, Bishnu Rabha Smriti Udyan, has been established to honor such a great personality. It is built in Tezpur close to the bank of the river Brahmaputra.
On Bishnu Rabha Divas, people pay tribute to him by offering floral homage or lighting earthen lamp. It also includes performances of dance and songs, mainly written by Bishnu Rabha Prasad himself. People observe this day by giving captivating enactments of RabhaSangeet.
Also, individuals recite the contributions he made and how he gave rise to a better Assam. Another purpose of celebrating the valor and creativity of Bishnu Prasad Rabha is to enlighten the people about his significance and contribution.
The current situation of 2021, where people are confined to their houses, has not restricted people in observing Rabha Divas on 20th June. Many schools, colleges, and institutions have adopted the digital mode to commemorate such a great personality on the Rabha Divas. In schools, students have prepared to recite poems composed by Bishnu Rabha Prasad, sing Rabha Sangeet, and enact dance performances on the same. The observation would follow the traditional method of lighting earthen lamps or offering floral homage, however, the only difference would be the online platform.