Guwahati: An international dance festival is scheduled to be held in the three Assam towns of Guwahati, Sivsagar and Kaziranga next month, with the theme centering around the 600-year-long Ahom rule in the state and the need for conservation of nature.
The Sixth edition of Pragjyoti International Dance Festival (PIDF) is an annual classical dance extravaganza conceptualized to exhibit a wide range of Indian dances together on one platform, to sing in unison and also to celebrate the richness of heritage in this part of the North Eastern region of the country which has, throughout the ages promoted, art and culture from the vantage point of being crowned with unique and diverse traditions of its own.
The event is an annual feature by Kalpa, a Society for Promotion of Literature, Art, Culture and Social Harmony, held in association with the District Administration of Sivasagar and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Department of Tourism, Government of Assam and Department of Culture, Government of Assam.
Sattriya danseuse Anwesa Mahanta, Joint Secretary of Kalpa and Festival Director of PIDF said, “Our dance festival is an attempt to promote the intangible heritage of classical arts among the younger generation. Dance is an inter-disciplinary area that requires a holistic appraisal of literature, philosophy, history, science, music, painting, sculpture, yoga, spirituality, religion, art and so on.”
While one of the achievements of PIDF has been to develop interest about classical art traditions and its relevance in contemporary period amidst the young generations, it has also maintained high standards by garnering the support and accolades of exponents of Indian dance at this annual dance fest.
Regional Director of Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Guwahati, Sankar Prasad Kakoti Bora, said, “The 6th PIDF is proposed to be organised in February at Guwahati, Sivasagar and Kaziranga. I am glad to know that eminent international artistes from Poland, Russia and Italy along with young exponents from India will be participating this time.”
This year, Kalpa takes on the responsibility of reaching out to the world and sharing the glory of Assam and its history with the kinetics of Indian Dance Traditions, a statement issued by Kalpa said.
The Sixth edition of PIDF will offer a tribute to the contribution of the 600-year-old Ahom rule towards society and culture of Assam and will be hosted in the cultural site of Siva Dol at Sivasagar sculpted and spaced by the aesthetic vision of the Ahoms.
Extending her full support towards the festival, the Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar, SS Meenakshi Sundaram, said, “The Sivasagar edition of this venture will amply help in showcasing the rich historic legacy of the district and promoting tourism.”
Also, attending to the need of the hour, the festival will speak up for the conservation of nature and preservation of rhinos, making the masses aware and rethink about the pertinent issues of the land and its natural resources by dedicating the evening of dance for the conservation of its pristine glory. (UNI)
