Sanjeev Baishya

Kolkata came alive with the spirit of Bhogali Bihu as the Kolkata Assamese Cultural Association hosted a grand celebration at Assam Bhawan. The programme included Rupohi Haat, a fair of indigenous products from the Northeast, and Uruka, a traditional community feast.

The event highlighted Assamese culture, food, and local enterprise. People from different communities joined in large numbers, giving the celebration a warm and festive feel.

Rupohi Haat has been organised by the Association since 2023. It brings vendors from different districts of Assam who sell traditional food items, handloom textiles, ornaments, and crafts. Over the years, the fair has built a strong identity in Kolkata and has become a meeting point for Assamese and Bengali cultures.

This year, the fair was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka. The programme was attended by Association president Dr Khanindra Pathak, Joint Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan Randeep Dam, Chief Advisor Dev Sonowal, and other members.

The Governor inaugurated the fair by opening a specially designed entrance gate inspired by the traditional Assamese nongola.

In his address, Governor Deka spoke on women’s empowerment, self-reliance, and environmental care. He shared examples of doctors turning to floriculture and praised the work culture of Chhattisgarh. He also urged people to plant at least one sapling to help fight climate change. Working president Hiten Hatkhowa said the Association has long supported such eco-friendly ideas.

The Governor also spoke about the uniqueness of Assamese language and culture. He said every culture has its own identity and should not be compared with others. He added that cultures grow stronger when they support each other and said Rupohi Haat in Kolkata is a fine example of cultural harmony.

Participants this year came from Sualkuchi, Barpeta, Sribhumi, Chirang, Guwahati, parts of Nagaland, and also from Chhattisgarh, which joined as a guest state. The Governor visited the stalls and interacted with the vendors, offering guidance and encouragement.

On the final evening, around 400 people took part in the Bhogali feast and enjoyed traditional Assamese dishes. A cultural programme followed with performances by Indira Deka, Sujata Paul, Abhipriya Goswami, Kanushree Baruah, Anwesha Borah, Harsh Shandilya, and Swapnil Kashyap.

General Secretary Indukalpa Saikia, while anchoring the programme, said the aim of such events is to introduce Assamese language, literature, and culture to the younger generation in Kolkata and to bring the community closer.

The celebrations ended on a joyful note with a lottery draw. Before dinner, a meji was lit and prayers were offered for peace and prosperity. Joint Resident Commissioner Randeep Dam and actress Jaya Seal were among the guests present at the Bhogali feast.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally