Assam Society of Bangalore (ASB) recently organised its 15th annual Bihu celebrations called Bohagi Adoroni 2013 at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. Of the three Bihu festivals celebrated by the Assamese, the spring festival, Bohag Bihu, is the most important as it marks the beginning of the agricultural season.

The celebration spread over six hours and saw thousands of attendees eagerly participate in Bihu songs and dances, Bihu Konwori competitions and quiz contests. It was a time to celebrate the spirit of the community and they did so with great pomp and show. “Every year, we have a gathering so that the whole community can come together and celebrate.

This year, like in the past, we had a great response,” shares Dipankar Kalita, general secretary of ASB. The evening’s highlight was a performance by popular Assamese duo Dikshu Sarma and Priyanka Bharali.  Another popular singer, Gautam Konwar, also performed to an energetic crowd alongside a host of local talents like Prozir and ‘29th Main Band’. Dances from Manipur, Nagaland and even Karnataka’s yakshagana were also on the cards.

“In the last few years, whenever we have performed, the response has been good. For us, it’s more about giving people their own music than the celebration of the New Year. But it’s always a lovely experience to be with the community,” shares Saranga Pani, vocalist of ‘29th Main Band’. Given the occasion, the young and old were dressed in traditional attire and had a great time.

“This was my first Bihu experience in Bangalore and I felt like I was transported to Assam sitting right here. ASB put up a brilliant evening of cultural extravaganza.  The Bihu songs and dances were exquisite and the crowd went just berserk when Priyanaka and Dikshu took to the stage. Even the food stalls serving traditional Assamese cuisine was a wonderful touch,” shares Rajesh Kumar, an attendee.

B M Gogoi, who has been associated with the organisation since its inception in 1982, adds, “My family and I have been part of all the Bihu celebrations that have been organised over the years. The entire community comes alive and is brought together and this year too has been no exception. It was a very well organised and extremely enjoyable cultural evening.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / DHNS – April 10th, 2013

Mysore :

City-based journalist Kavya and her talking doll Kishan will be presenting a programme today at 6 pm at the Rotary auditorium near Kamakshi Hospital in Saraswathipuram under the aegis of Sneha Sinchana Vedike.

Daughter of S.R. Mohan Kumar of Police Department and M.N. Latha Mohan, Editor of Sanje Minchu daily in which she is working as a reporter, Kavya has already given more than 40 talking doll shows.

The 18-year-old artiste is a Diploma holder in Computer Applications. She says she was inspired by talking doll artistes Indushri and Suma Rajkumar. She trained under Guruswamy for three months and presented her first experimental show during the anniversary of ‘Naa Kanda Mysore’ newspaper. This was followed by shows during Mane Mane Dasara, Rajyotsava-related programmes and other cultural events. She has also given shows in Chamarajanagar, Kollegal and Nanjangud’s Sindhuvalli.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 23rd, 2013

World Heritage Day celebrated

Mysore :

World Heritage Day is celebrated on April 18 around the globe to create awareness among the public about the diversity of cultural heritage and the collective efforts required to protect it.

JSS Law College at Kuvempunagar had organised a programme as part of World Heritage Day at its premises in city yesterday in which about hundred students participated.

P.S. Vastrad, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Mysore, delivering his address after inaugurating a photo exhibition at the college premises, said that heritage is the shared wealth of humankind and it is our duty to pass on the rich tradition, culture and heritage to the next generation.

He further said that heritage monuments belong to all of us and everyone should involve themselves collectively in its protection and conservation for which the Archaeological Survey of India has also joined hands.

Citing examples of the paintings found in Ajanta and Ellora caves, he said the paintings show how people earlier lived besides giving examples of heritage monuments like Taj Mahal, Pattadakal and Red Fort, he added that we can appreciate these only if we spend time with them.

Vastrad said that no new constructions can come up within the radius of 100 mts from the heritage sites or monuments and added that sometimes permission is given for new constructions keeping the public in mind.

He requested the students to respect heritage monuments and be a part of the heritage club besides urging students not to limit themselves to the one day celebration.

Dr. T.S. Ravi Shankar, Director (Epigraphy), ASI, Mysore, who was the guest of honour, said that India is very rich in epigraphical wealth and it is estimated that more than one lakh inscriptions have been discovered in the country and there are a large number of inscriptions which have to be brought to light by conducting an intensive and systematic survey of our vast country.

He further said that it is a moment for all of us to preserve what we have inherited from the past. Due to rapid commercialisation and urbanisation, a lot of heritage was disappearing, he regretted.

Earlier, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Governor of Karnataka V.S. Ramadevi who passed away on Wednesday.

Prof. K.S. Suresh, Principal, JSS Law College, presided. Vinay Parameshwarappa, Founder, Royal Mysore Walks, was present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 19th, 2013