PALASBARI,Nov 7: The historic and culturally rich Palasbari Raas festival in South Kamrup has begun with grandeur and devotion, continuing its long-standing tradition of celebrating the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna. This year, the 15-day-long festival commenced on November 5 and will continue till November 19, featuring an elaborate and vibrant series of programmes. The festival was formally inaugurated by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who opened the ceremonial gates of the Raas Mahotsav.
As part of the ongoing celebration, a Journalists’ meet was held onThursday. The session was opened by senior journalist Anil Kalita, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by veteran journalist Ashwini Kumar Talukdar and journalist as well as President of Electronic and Print Media Forum South Kamrup, Ratan Kalita.
The programme, anchored by Joint General Secretary of the Raas festival Committee Pankaj Das, felicitated the journalists and media persons of South Kamrup for their contribution to society. Each journalist was honoured with a traditional gamosa, japi, and a citation.
The meet, moderated by journalist Niren Chandra Mali, witnessed engaging participation from media personalities including Manimoy Kar, President of the Raas Mahotsav Committee, along with senior journalists Anil Kalita, Ashwini Kumar Talukdar, Ratan Kalita, Biswajit Kalita, and Dulan Kalita, among others. The event featured recitations, songs, and expressions of thought on media and society.
The Raas festival celebration ommittee announced that each day of the festival will feature cultural performances, religious discourses, competitive events, Bhupendra Sangeet competition, Jatra performances, folk culture exhibitions, and a special celebration of the birthday of late music icon Zubeen Garg.
With an estimated budget of around Rs 70 lakh, the festival this year boasts a central mandap along with 42 stalls, including four interior and three exterior zones, all beautifully illuminated with electronic decorations. In a heartfelt tribute, the main entrance gate has been dedicated to late Zubeen Garg, designed in the style of Rong Ghar, drawing admiration from visitors.
The Raas festival celebration committee has sought the cooperation and active participation of the devout public to ensure the success of every event throughout the festival.