Silchar: Just three days after Durga Puja, the Silchar branch of Shreehatta Sammilani lit up the evening with its Bijoya Sammilani celebrations at Gandhi Bhawan Auditorium on Sunday. The programme began with a traditional welcome for guests, including application of sandalwood paste, draping of uttariyas, and presentation of Bijoya mementos. The cultural gathering was formally inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony by the guests.

The event saw prominent personalities in attendance. Former Cachar BJP President Uday Shankar Goswami served as the chief guest, joined by several others who spoke briefly about the relevance of the event.

In his address, Rajat Ghosh, co-vice president of the Silchar branch and president of Silchar Youth Quarters, expressed gratitude to Shreehatta Sammilani’s chief organiser, Santosh Chanda.

Chief guest Uday Shankar Goswami conveyed his Bijoya greetings to everyone. Though originally from Uttar Pradesh, he highlighted his connections to Sylhet and praised the richness of the Sylheti language. Manjul Deb, another co-vice president of the Silchar branch, announced that this year’s annual Sammilani event will be held in Guwahati and extended invitations for participation in Kolkata as well.

Sadhan Purkayastha, national advisor of the Sammilani, highlighted the formation of a larger Sylheti community in Silchar, noting that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds in the Silchar-Barak region actively use the Sylheti language. He also emphasized the cultural ties of Sylhetis with figures like Radharaman and Lalon Fakir.

Writer Dipankar Ghosh noted that the Sylheti script is unique among Bengali dialects, while Ajit Deb highlighted the contributions of Sylhet’s intellectuals. Silchar branch secretary Santosh Chanda urged members to actively engage in the Sammilani’s initiatives, and president Kishore Kumar Bhattacharjee praised the high quality of Sylheti culture.

The cultural programme began with a group dance by Silchar Youth Quarters artists, followed by a solo performance by singer Bappi Roy. Guests were presented with Bijoya mementos by Santosh Chanda, while Monopriya Deb and Nabanita Dey welcomed them with sandalwood and uttariyas.

The second phase of the programme featured musical performances by Bappi Roy, Monopriya Deb, Nabanita Das, Shantikumar Bhattacharjee, Indrani Dutta, and Sadhan Purkayastha. Group performances included dance and music by Chhonde Chhonde Music Academy, Gauriya Nritya Kala Bharati, Nrityanjali Cultural and Social Organization, Banshita Kala Niketan, and Nrityakali Academy artists. The event concluded with a collective dhamail performance.

Musical accompaniment featured tabla players Santosh Chanda, Debotosh Sen, Biplob Dey, and Bhaskar Das, keyboard by Hrishikesh Chakraborty, and octopad by Ashish Sutradhar. The event was hosted by Biplob Dey, directed by Santosh Chanda, with lighting and sound managed by Sujit Chandra Pal. Each participating artist received a Bijoya memento from the organizing committee, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks from Biplob De.

The Silchar branch of Shreehatta Sammilani delivered a vibrant cultural program immediately after Durga Puja, earning appreciation for its flawless organization and celebration of Sylheti heritage.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally