Guwahati: The Gandharba Drama Festival, the Jiban Silpi Adya Sarma Memorial Painting Competition, and the Fifteenth Annual All Assam Bhupendra Sangeet Competition were successfully held from December 5 to December 7 at the Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia Auditorium in Maligaon, Boripara.
The events were organised by the ‘Gandharba’ acting and music institution to commemorate its twenty-first anniversary.
The inaugural theatrical evening of the third annual Gandharba Theatre Festival, held on December 5, commenced with the stage being inaugurated by esteemed theatre critic Atul Majumdar. In commemoration of the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the play Moi Aru Mur Saa (Me and My Shadow), conceived by Dhrubajyoti Kumar, written by Binod Sharma, and directed by Akhilesh Hazari, was staged, drawing upon the vibrant life of the celebrated figure.
In recognition of the centenary, drama critic Atul Majumdar described Moi Aru Mur Saa as a significant theatrical contribution by Gandharba. He underscored the importance of presenting the play both throughout Assam and beyond its borders.
The theatrical performance captivated the audience, ultimately emerging as a well-received production. Following the performance, key cultural figures from the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust offered heartfelt commendations to Gandharba.
Manjula Hazarika, the Trust’s Secretary, alongside noted singer Manisha Hazarika and renowned folk culture expert Liladhar Hazarika, expressed profound admiration for the theatrical production. They unanimously celebrated the ensemble’s remarkable achievement in bringing the intricate narrative of Moi Aru Mur Saa to life, recognising it as a powerful demonstration of artistic and social commitment.
The performance on the night of December 6 was held in memory of Zubeen Garg. Veteran theatre figure Makbul Haque lit the traditional lamp in front of the beloved artist’s portrait. Haque, a Patacharkuchi resident known for his work in professional and amateur theatre groups, directing plays, and acting in films over several years, inaugurated the theatrical event on the second day.
The night featured two productions by notable groups: Choku, presented by Srishti Kala-Krishti Kendra of Guwahati, and A Beautiful Melody, performed by Natatirtha, also based in Guwahati.
Before the theatrical performances began, the Jiban Silpi Adya Sarma Memorial Painting Competition took place in the afternoon, where Karismita Kalita was awarded the Purnakanta Das Memorial Award for first place, Aradhya Dutta received the Kamalakanta Das Memorial Award for second place, and Kristina Baishya was conferred the Bimal Chandra Hazarika Memorial Award for third place.
Before the start of the Fifteenth Annual All Assam Bhupendra Sangeet Competition, noted musician Kamal Kataki ceremoniously hoisted the organisation’s flag on the morning of December 7, marking the event’s official commencement. Another well-known musician, Anju Devi, inaugurated the competition stage. The competition featured around eighty participants from various regions of Assam.
In the ‘A’ category, the first three positions were held by Munmi Devi from Guwahati, who received the Geeta Thakuria Memorial Award; Kankan Mili, also from Guwahati, who was awarded the Jugamaya Baishya Memorial Award; and Kristikanya Saikia from Nagaon (Chakalaghat), who finished third, winning the Jujiram Kumar and Nirmala Kumar Memorial Award. In the ‘B’ category of the Bhupendra Sangeet competition, the top three award recipients were Bhargavi Goswami from Guwahati, who received the Harendranath Kumar and Kusum Kumar Memorial Award; Nirmali Das from Guwahati, honoured with the Aikon Deka Memorial Award; and Jennifer Ahmed from Nalbari, who was presented with the Ananda Bhuyan and Bonphul Bhuyan Memorial Award.
Each victorious participant received a book authored by Dr Bhupen Hazarika, donated by Akhilesh Hazari. The judges for the Bhupendra Sangeet event were the artistes Kamal Kataki and Anju Devi.
The Gandharba family concluded the event by warmly acknowledging and expressing deep gratitude to all the talented artistes who brought their creativity and passion to life during the Gandharba Drama Festival, the Jiban Silpi Adya Sarma Memorial Painting Competition, and the Bhupendra Sangeet Competition.
They also expressed sincere appreciation to the wonderful audience and the esteemed panel of judges, whose support and discerning perspectives made the events truly memorable.
