Jorhat hosts tourism festival to highlight Assam's indigenous culture

A three-day long "Ethnique Festival" was held recently in the Bhagchung area of Assam's Jorhat District.

On display was a slice of their rich culture which included dances, folk music and traditional food.

The main attraction of the festival was the Mising traditional dances performed by youth in colorful attires.

The visitors got a chance to witness various dances such as Mibu Dagnam, shamanistic dance, Ali Aye Ligang, Gumrag and Selloiya.

The event was organized by I-Card with an aim to empower the unemployed youth and school dropouts.

Father K.A. Thomas, Director, I-CARD, said: "One of the main purpose of organizing this "Ethnique Festival" is empowering the unemployed youth and school dropout. People may think that we are looking about the festival and we need a thousand and thousands of people to come and see our festival. Even many people come to see our festival but what we have done and what we have helped our young people to achieve is much more important."

Rajesh Guli, a participant, said: "We have come here to perform our cultural dance and songs. Through this festival, we get to know more about different dances of the Missing tribe, and it's very good to perform here."

Many locals and tourists thronged the venue and had a gala time. A short skit was also performed by the youth as a part of the event.

In order to give a boost to the local handloom and handicrafts, a number of stalls were also put up, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of the locals.

Manoj Kumar Jain, a visitor, said: "It's very good to be here. It was such a colorful dance. I got to see the colorful costumes which they displayed. We don't get to see such things often, so it's a very good festival."

Food stalls from various tribes and communities were also set up. A photo exhibition displayed the lifestyle of the people from the Northeast.

German tourist Vincent said: "I came to visit here to see all this culture and I really love to be here to all the dances, songs and to taste food and I really enjoy."

Such festivals not only preserve the culture of the region but also promote tourism.