KOLKATA: The 8th edition of Rongali, a three-day festival celebrating ethnic diversity , creativity and entrepreneurship in Assam and the northeast , will be held at the Khanapara Veterinary College Ground in Guwahati from June 21-23. Supported by the directorate of cultural affairs, Govt of Assam, the festival features a wide range of cultural events and will bring together approximately 700 folk artistes from across seven states under one roof. B Kalyan Chakraborty, principal secretary of cultural affairs, described Rongali as a cultural movement that supports local talents and encourages international visitors to experience Assam’s cultural diversity .
The festival will be open from 4pm every day and entry will be free for all. Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the festival, said, “Rongali embodies harmony, creativity of local talents, and entrepreneurship. This year, the event will feature a large-scale ‘vocal for local’ exhibition, showcasing an impressive array of Assam’s silk, crafts, tea, bell metal, and agricultural-horticultural products.
To foster an entrepreneurial culture, the ‘Rongali entrepreneurship award’ will be presented to 10 exceptional entrepreneurs from the state who have excelled in various fields.” The festival will additionally showcase events highlighting northeastern culinary roots, tourist destinations and historical figures of tribes and communities. Popular singers Zubeen Garg, Priyanka Bharali, Deeplina Deka and other emergi.
