The vibrant cultural landscape of Assam is set to host the upcoming edition of the Brahmaputra Literature Festival. The event will unfold in the historic city of Sivasagar from February 6 to 8, 2025. This year's gathering holds special significance as it is dedicated to celebrating the monumental legacies of two iconic artists from the region: the legendary Bhupen Hazarika and the beloved Zubeen Garg.
A Confluence of Art and Humanity
The festival has adopted a powerful theme: "Confluence of rhythm, word and art - Celebrating the voice of humanity." According to festival director and acclaimed author Rita Chowdhury, this edition is a profound celebration that intertwines music, literature, and the universal human spirit. She eloquently described the Brahmaputra River as the festival's central metaphor for humanity—vast, inclusive, timeless, and inherently musical.
"Through the rhythm of our hills and the rivers, the Brahmaputra Literature Festival becomes a meeting ground of voices - a forum of positive thinking," Chowdhury stated. She emphasized that this year, as the festival marks the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika and honors the artistic legacy of Zubeen Garg, it transforms into a heartfelt offering to humanity itself.
Honoring Legends and Showcasing Diversity
The tribute to Bhupen Hazarika aligns with year-long centenary celebrations across Assam and India. The remembrance of Zubeen Garg adds a poignant note, recalling the singer's tragic and mysterious passing on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had gone for a Northeast festival performance.
Organized by the Adharxila Trust, the festival will be formally inaugurated on February 5. A special curtain-raiser event in Gauripur will celebrate the legacy of zamindar Raja Prabhat Chandra Baruah, actor-filmmaker Pramathesh Barua, and the renowned women of the Rajbari for their immense contributions to art and culture.
The main festivities at Sibsagar Girls' College will feature a diverse array of speakers and performers from India and around the world. An initial list of participants includes poet-lyricist Prabha Varma, writer Mitra Phukan, educator Vijaya Thakur, Bangladeshi poet Shimul Salahuddin, poet-folk artist Khajoor Singh Thakur, and Myanmarese historian Thin Thin Aye.
Celebrating Indigenous Cultures and Flavors
In a significant focus on indigenous heritage, the festival will highlight the rich cultures of the Bodo and Mishing communities. Attendees can expect immersive showcases of their unique traditions, artistry, and cultural identity. Adding to the sensory experience, an ethnic food street will offer a taste of the region's rich and diverse culinary landscape.
The event will also see the presentation of five awards to icons from diverse genres, recognizing excellence across multiple artistic fields. It is noteworthy that a special edition of the Brahmaputra Literature Festival was successfully held earlier in February at the New Delhi World Book Fair, setting the stage for this larger Assam edition.
With its blend of literary discussions, musical tributes, cultural exhibitions, and culinary delights, the Brahmaputra Literature Festival 2025 promises to be a resonant celebration of Assam's artistic soul and its enduring voice in the world.
