Guwahati: A three-day cultural celebration organised by the Gandharba acting and music institution concluded successfully in Guwahati, marking the organisation’s 21st anniversary with theatre, painting and music competitions.
The Gandharba Drama Festival, the Jiban Silpi Adya Sarma Memorial Painting Competition and the 15th Annual All Assam Bhupendra Sangeet Competition were held from December 5 to 7 at the Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia Auditorium in Maligaon, Boripara.
The third edition of the Gandharba Theatre Festival opened on December 5 with noted theatre critic Atul Majumdar inaugurating the stage.
To commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the play Moi Aru Mur Saa (Me and My Shadow) was staged.
Conceived by Dhrubajyoti Kumar, written by Binod Sharma and directed by Akhilesh Hazari, the production drew inspiration from the life and legacy of the iconic cultural figure.
Majumdar described the play as a significant theatrical contribution and suggested it be staged across Assam and beyond.
The performance was well received by the audience and drew praise from members of the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, including secretary Manjula Hazarika, singer Manisha Hazarika and folk culture expert Liladhar Hazarika.
The second evening of the festival, held on December 6, was dedicated to singer Zubeen Garg. Veteran theatre personality Makbul Haque lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion.
The evening featured two productions—Choku by Srishti Kala-Krishti Kendra and A Beautiful Melody by Natatirtha, both from Guwahati.
Earlier in the day, the Jiban Silpi Adya Sarma Memorial Painting Competition was held, where Karismita Kalita won first place, Aradhya Dutta secured second and Kristina Baishya finished third.
The final day saw the commencement of the 15th Annual All Assam Bhupendra Sangeet Competition.
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Musician Kamal Kataki hoisted the Gandharba flag, while singer Anju Devi inaugurated the competition stage. Around 80 participants from different parts of Assam took part in the event.
In the ‘A’ category, Munmi Devi of Guwahati won first place, followed by Kankan Mili of Guwahati and Kristikanya Saikia of Nagaon.
In the ‘B’ category, Bhargavi Goswami of Guwahati secured the top position, with Nirmali Das of Guwahati and Jennifer Ahmed of Nalbari finishing second and third respectively.
Award winners were presented books authored by Dr Bhupen Hazarika, donated by Akhilesh Hazari. Kamal Kataki and Anju Devi served as judges for the competition.
Concluding the three-day programme, the Gandharba family expressed gratitude to the artistes, judges and audience for their support, noting that their participation and encouragement played a key role in the success of the festival.
