End of an era: Unsung folk artiste Kulendra Nath of Darrang district passes away

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: Kulendra Nath, the septuagenarian exponent of the performing art ‘Kali’ (a musical instrument similar to shehnai), which is an integral component of the traditional folk culture of Darrang district, breathed his last on March 1 at about 5.30 pm at his residence at village Tupapara (Niz Sipajhar) at the age of 77. He was the only ‘Kali’ player not only in the Darrang district but also in the State.

With the demise of this exponent of ‘Kali’ who earned the popular title of ‘Kalia’ (who plays the ‘Kali’) in the entire district, this performing art is also on the verge of its extinction as no one has come forward for its training and practice. Earlier, the ‘Kali’ recital was an integral part of all wedding ceremonies, several pujas and other religious traditional rituals in Darrang and Kamrup districts.

Kulendra Nath, son of a rural marginal farmer couple Khangi Dhar Nath and Gondheswari Devi, at the tender age of 15 got involved with a team of ‘Bor Dhulia’ (acrobats) in his village and he displaying his gifted talent within a very short period. He was able to earn reputation as an expert ‘Dhulia’ (drummer) and a member of a team of Nagara Naam.

In 1974, Kulendra Nath came to know about the musical instrument ‘Kali’ and got highly interested in it and after making a thorough search, he finally collected a ‘Kali’ from a villager near Kalaigaon which, at that time, was lying abandoned. Since then, Kulendra Nath dedicated his life to the practice of this ‘performing art’ - the ‘Kali’ and played it at various weddings and other public functions, including the annual session of Axam Xahitya Xabha and All India Radio. Like all the rural artistes and exponents of different cultures, Kulendra Nath too passed his days in a continuous struggle against poverty. However, in 2017, the State Government sanctioned a pension under the Department of Culture.

Kulendra Nath leaves behind his wife Basanti Devi, a son, three daughters and a number of relatives and well-wishers. His mortal remain were consigned into flames as per Vedic rituals at the village crematorium. Sipajhar legislator Dr Paramananda Rajbomgshi, president of Sipjhar AGP, Naba Kumar Deka, office bearers of Darrangi Kala Kristi Unnayan Sangha, media persons of Sipajhar and a large number of mourners offered their last respect to him and attended his funeral.

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