Sivasagar (Assam), 31 October (HS): Assam Minister for Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture Biswajit Daimary on Saturday inaugurated ‘The Living Past: A 7-Day Heritage Week Festival’ at Sibsagar University as the chief guest.

The week-long festival has been organised by the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies (DHAS) under the Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture, Government of Assam, in collaboration with Sibsagar University.

The festival aims to celebrate and preserve Assam’s rich historical, literary and cultural heritage through academic discussions, exhibitions, indigenous products and the promotion of traditional knowledge systems.

Addressing the gathering, Daimary stressed the need to preserve Assam’s historical records, manuscripts, indigenous traditions and traditional knowledge for future generations. He also encouraged greater participation of younger generations in heritage conservation.

A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of the DHAS publication ‘Khunlung-Khunlai Buranji’ by the minister.

The programme began with a welcome address by Sibsagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahadev Patgiri. It also featured cultural performances, including Sattriya dance, an academic lecture, a heritage exhibition and a fair showcasing indigenous products.

DHAS Director-in-Charge Dr. Sangeeta Gogoi, Founder Principal of Swahid Peoli Phukan College, Namti, Mohini Mahanta, and manuscript expert Diganta Hazarika were among the dignitaries present at the occasion.

The festival will continue for seven days, providing a platform to showcase Assam’s diverse cultural traditions and historical legacy.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash