By Shankar Kr Turha
SHILLONG:
The Bihari Students Association (BSA), Shillong, celebrated the cultural exchange programme as part of Chhath Mahaparv Celebrations 2022, at Bangiya Sahitya Parishad, Jail Road, on October 22.
The programme organised ahead of the Chhath Puja on October 30 witnessed a colourful cultural extravaganza, with vibrant display of dance, songs, and skits by different troupes to mark the eventful festival sacred to the Bihari community across the country.
Taking over the stage, the two hosts, Sanjana Rani and Anarjeet Rai, started the programme by inviting the Chief Guest, Ransom Sutnga, Vikash Gupta and other dignitaries to lit the lamp, followed by Deep Pujan, prayer, and a welcome speech by the BSA president Rahul Singh.
A series of events ensued after this, when different performers took over the stage, to keep the audience hooked to their seats till the very end.
The hall at Bangiya Sahitya Parishad had a festive atmosphere as BSA members draped in elegant traditional attire showcased the history, significance, and sacredness of Chhath Puja with a profound skit that was truly the highlight of the annual programme.
The gathering were equally spellbound by the spectacular display of various art forms starting from song by Mayank and group, dance performance by Gorkha Chhatra Sangathan, dance by Eimi Students Union, Arunchallee, Students Union Assamese Students Union, and Bengali Students Union.
Iconic songs such as Kaanch Hi Baas Ke Bahangiya by Shivam Sah, Nita Shah and group and Chaathi Maiya Bulaaye by Mayank Mishra and group ushered in the Chhath Puja feel among the gathering bringing in the emotional connect that has since time immoral been part and parcel of the festival.
The skit titled Raja Privart and Rani Malini Ki Kahani narrating the origin of the festival mesmerised the audience with a brilliant display of drama featuring BSA members—who through the play showed how the Puja originated and became the most integral part of the Bihari culture—and how a devotee by observing the puja attains salvation of any form.
Likewise dance by different groups were another highlight of the evening, amalgamating different cultures to come together for a cause, to promote and preserve the age-old customs and showcase them to the younger generation—who will carry the legacy forward.
Enthralling the gathering further, the various groups in their traditional attire showed that music has no boundaries, and art forms have no parallel, a scintillating show to celebrate the most auspicious festival for the Bihari community.
The members with a hope to convey the significance of Chhath Mahaparv, not only want that the Bihari community at large are united through the festival but also wish to make the festival a grand event in the near future.