Guwahati: The Brahmaputra Literature Festival will return early next year with its next edition scheduled to be held in Sivasagar from February 6 to 8, paying special tributes to two towering cultural figures of Assam, Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg.
This year’s festival will revolve around the theme “Confluence of rhythm, word and art – Celebrating the voice of humanity,” underscoring the deep connections between music, literature and human expression.
Festival director and noted author Rita Chowdhury said the event seeks to celebrate creativity as a shared human experience, drawing inspiration from the Brahmaputra as a symbol of inclusiveness, continuity and harmony.
Describing the river as a metaphor for humanity, Chowdhury said the festival aims to become a meeting ground for diverse voices and ideas rooted in positive thinking.
She noted that the edition assumes special significance as it coincides with the birth centenary of Bhupen Hazarika and honours the artistic legacy of Zubeen Garg, turning the festival into a cultural offering that transcends artistic boundaries.
The birth centenary of Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika is being marked across Assam and other parts of the country through a series of commemorative events.
Zubeen Garg, who remains one of the most influential contemporary voices from the Northeast, passed away in Singapore on September 19 last year while swimming in the sea during a visit to perform at a Northeast festival.
Organised by the Adharxila Trust, the festival will be formally inaugurated on February 5.
A curtain-raiser event at Gauripur will pay homage to the legacy of zamindar Raja Prabhat Chandra Baruah, actor-filmmaker Pramathesh Barua and the women of the Rajbari for their contributions to art, culture and tradition.
The main festival, to be hosted at Sibsagar Girls’ College, will feature writers, poets, historians and performers from across India and abroad.
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The initial list of participants includes poet-lyricist Prabha Varma, writer Mitra Phukan, educator Vijaya Thakur, Bangladeshi poet Shimul Salahuddin, poet and folk artist Khajoor Singh Thakur, and Myanmarese historian Thin Thin Aye.
Alongside literary discussions and performances, the festival will spotlight the cultural traditions of the Bodo and Mishing communities, offering audiences insights into their art forms and identities.
An ethnic food street showcasing the region’s diverse culinary heritage will also be part of the celebrations.
Five awards will be presented during the festival to honour distinguished contributions across different creative genres.
Earlier this year, a special edition of the Brahmaputra Literature Festival was held at the New Delhi World Book Fair, extending its presence beyond the region.Top of Form
