Assam: Cultural Fest ‘Rongali 2024’ to take place in Guwahati from June 21-23

Guwahati: One of the biggest musical extravaganzas of Assam ‘Rongali 2024’ will be held from June 21-23 at the Veterinary College Ground, Khanapara, Guwahati.

Rongali was initiated in 2015 with the intention of fostering cultural unity and showcasing Assamese talents.

Over the last seven editions, Rongali has become a significant platform for the talents of the state, such as designer Sanjukta Dutta, artist Shantanu Hazarika, musicians, models, and entrepreneurs have emerged from Rongali platform.

Rongor Ali Rongali will bring a large canvas of Assam’s spectacular cultural diversity.

Matak, Maran, Sonowal, Kachari, Tiwa, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia, Tea Tribes, Rabha, Tai Ahom, Gorkha, Sonowal Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Dimas etc will exhibit their rich cultures and histories at Rongali.

With approximately 700 folk artists scheduled to perform, the event will also showcase various tourist destinations and historical figures of tribes and communities.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organizer of Rongali, stated that Rongali embodies harmony, creativity of local talents, and entrepreneurship.

This year, the event will feature a large-scale ‘Vocal for Local’ exhibition, showcasing an impressive array of Assam’s silk, crafts, tea, bell metal, and agricultural-horticultural products.

To foster an entrepreneurial culture, the Rongali Entrepreneurship Award will be presented to ten exceptional entrepreneurs from the state, those who have excelled in various fields.

The event is expected to draw lakh of visitors, including tourists from across the country, generating significant business opportunities and long-term linkages for local entrepreneurs.

Traditionally held in April and May, this year's dates have been deferred due to the election code of conduct, allowing Rongali to highlight Assam's allure during the spring and rainy seasons.

The event is receiving support from the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Assam and the Tour Operators Association of Assam, further enhancing its potential to boost local tourism and business.

Rongali will feature an extensive exhibition of art and sculpture, with the Rongali Art Carnival being a major attraction.

The festival will also celebrate Assamese cuisine, featuring a competition showcasing the best traditional foods of Assam, and a Rongali Multicuisine Court that will offer diverse cuisines from across the country.

On June 21, 2024, on International Yoga Day, we are organizing a special yoga session at the Rongali venue with the theme of ‘Women Empowerment.’

This session will be conducted under the expert supervision of Ms. J. Tulika.

The session will be streamed live across the world. Governor of Assam Gulab Chand Kataria will formally inaugurate Rongali on June 21 evening.

North East India’s famous Rongali Good Vibes Stage, will feature performances by Bollywood sensation Raghav Chaitanya, singer from the movie ‘Animal,’ renowned Telugu music arranger and singer Devi Shri Prasad, famous for his work in the movie ‘Pushpa,’ India’s top rapper EPR, and one of the country’s leading rock bands, Naalayak.

Alongside these national talents, top musical talents from Assam, including Zubeen Garg, Priyanka Bharali, Deeplina Deka, and other emerging singers will also perform.

On June 21, there will be a special appearance by Bollywood singer Mr. Divya Kumar.

This year, the first Rongali Music Awards is introduced to honour outstanding musical talents from the region.

Legendary singer Dwipen Baruah will be conferred with the Rongali Music Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Additional awards will be presented for the most popular song of the year, best male and female singers, best lyricist, music arranger etc.

Rongali is the largest fashion platform in the region. This year, 16 designers from Assam will present spectacular designs with a focus on local handloom designs.

Rongali Hip Hop Village will have 150 hip-hop artists across India. Shyamkanu Mahanta announced that to facilitate connections between local musicians and singers with leading industry experts and professionals from the Indian music industry, including record labels and streaming platforms, Rongali Music Connect will be held on June 22.

The event will be moderated by Tersame Mittal, a renowned music entrepreneur, and will feature top digital and musical experts from across India.

These experts will engage with local bands, musicians, and YouTubers, providing a unique opportunity for interaction and networking.

Supported by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, Rongali will showcase an extensive exhibition of sculptures and arts, featuring numerous young artists representing various art forms.

The event will also benefit from the support of the Music College, with performances by winners of the Sanskriti Maha Sangram organized by the Government of Assam, who will present Jyoti Sangeet, Rabha Sangeet, and more.

Zubeen Garg, the brand ambassador of Rongali, describes the event as a community movement that unites various communities, promoting cultural and economic development in Assam.

B. Kalyan Chakraborty, Principal Secretary of Cultural Affairs, highlights Rongali as a cultural movement that supports local talents and encourages international visitors to experience Assam's cultural diversity.

The festival will start at 4 pm every day, the entry is free.

Rongali is expected to open up huge vistas of opportunities for entrepreneurs, and creative talents of Assam.