Tribal festival showcases Assam's ethnic culture

Guwahati, Oct. 12 (ANI): Hundreds of tribes belonging to various Assamese groups, including Bodo, Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, showcased their culture and tradition through dance, music and food at the three-day ethnic festival, 'Aikyatan.'

Organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam, the festival concluded on Sunday.

Ethnic groups from central and eastern parts of the country also participated in the festival.

In an attempt to add a genuine touch to the festival, makeshift houses of the tribes were also erected and the respective tribes were dressed to welcome their guests.

Different ethnic groups also walked the ramp in their traditional attires.

Organisers said that the festival would help the tribes to get adequate exposure.

"We have in Assam many ethnic tribal groups but they are not getting adequate exposure. So we are organising this three-day festival with a view to give full exposure to the tribal culture," said Sankar Prasad Kakati Bora, Director, Cultural Affairs, Assam.

Artistes said that these types of festival would help in preserving their culture.

"For a particular ethnic group its culture is very important. It is very difficult to tell someone about the particular ethnic group in the absence of tradition and we are participating in this festival to display our unique traditions and cultures to people," said Mihir Borgohain, an artist. (ANI)