'Northeast cultural festivals also add economic value to society'

GUWAHATI: Cultural festivities are opportunities to experience 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat', opined experts in a webinar organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati on 'Economic Value-adds of Festivals of North Eastern States to Society and its prosperity' here on Thursday. Experts from industry, entrepreneurial fraternity, government sector along with academicians deliberated and discussed about the potential of North East from cultural, socio-economic growth, development and policy perspective.

The Jonbeel Mela in Assam during Magh Bihu exemplifies the economic trade and commerce activities of communities, said Anupoma Das, former senior official, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati. She also said that people come together for the mela held annually at the place located beside Jagiroad in Morigaon district. She said that the ambience adds to the cultural vivacity.

Bihu celebration in Assam after the harvesting of crops offers salubrious environment for employment opportunities. She also said that during Bihu, the dances add to the joy of the occasion. She further said that muga silk cultivated in Assam has utilisation in various textile sectors which is employment intensive.

Talking about 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' where Assam and Rajasthan are grouped together, senior official, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati, Hemanta Rabha said that just as the festivals in Rajasthan — be it the camel festival in Pushkar, Udaipur Mewar Festival, Teej festival or Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, the festivals in Assam such as Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kongali or Kati Bihu and Bhogali or Magh Bihu demonstrate the zest and zeal of people. He said that training and employment opportunities are vital aspects during such cultural and societal festivities. He also said that these festivals offer opportunities for eco-tourism and cultural tourism which provide means to appreciate cultures.

Beauty pageant winner Mrs India East IAB (2019), Swagata Paul said that the festivals demonstrate the structured connect which people of this country has for each other. She added that festivals are also an occasion to experience the joy of diversity and to feel the vibrance of enthusiasm among people.

Former Regional Director (E) for India Tourism Kolkata, J.P. Shaw said that not only the agricultural, textile and tourism industry, but also the logistics and allied value added industries are having the advantage during the festivals because of increase in trade and commerce in Assam.

Information Assistant, PIB, Guwahati, Barnali Mahanta said that festivals such as Bihu are also an opportunity to look at the talents and human resources potential. She said that cultural programmes during this festivities also demonstrates the emotional and cultural talent and value-add on in family and societal system.

Professional sarod player Mayukh Gangopadhyay felt that festivals are also an occasion when all family members come and enjoy the celebration and appreciate the talents.

Professional sitar player Kaustav Majumder said that festivals help develop an society with high family values leading to prosperity and development of society and nation.

Abdur Rahman Mallick, Advocate Delhi High Court said that Celebration of Republic Day and festivals in 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat' is an opportunity to reminisce the efforts of stalwarts who worked tirelessly for the prosperity and well-being of society and the nation.

The webinar was managed and coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director, PIB, Guwahati. The interactive webinar had enthusiastic participation of students, academicians and Industry fraternity of Assam and North East. Sucharita Sahoo, Field Publicity Officer, Field Outreach Bureau, Barpeta welcomed the experts as the webinar delved into details on the various aspects of the topic such as Culture, Infrastructure and socio-economic development of North East, among others. Senior officials from Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati, All India Radio Guwahati were also present on the occasion, stated a release.

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