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Gayan-Bayan Tradition Enriches Assam's Culture, Says Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended a state convention for the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition in Dibrugarh. He praised the organization's role in preserving and propagating this integral part of Assam's cultural life. Sonowal highlighted how the tradition, passed down orally through generations, connects youth to their roots. The event included cultural performances and the felicitation of artist Banshi Bakliyal.

Key Points: Sarbananda Sonowal Lauds Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Tradition

  • Cultural preservation
  • Inspiring youth
  • Divine instrument
  • Village traditions
  • Artist felicitation
2 min read

Gayan-Bayan's melodic rhythm brings peace and spiritual strength: Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praises the Gayan-Bayan tradition for preserving Assam's cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

"The Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition is an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life. - Sarbananda Sonowal"

New Delhi, January 4

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal attended the second biennial full-fledged state convention of the 'Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam', along with a day-long Akhanda Bhagavat Path and a ceremonial programme of Sri Sri Auniati Satra, held at Rajgarh in Dibrugarh on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the organisation's sustained contribution to the practice, preservation and propagation of the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition, describing it as an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life.

"The Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition is an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life. Through sustained practice and dedication, it has enriched our cultural landscape and inspired younger generations to remain rooted in our classical and folk traditions," Sarbananda Sonowal said.

The Union Minister said that organisations such as the Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha have played a critical role in ensuring that Assam's rich cultural heritage continues to thrive by connecting tradition with the younger generation through training, performance and disciplined practice.

Sonowal further added, "Seeing this vast cultural canvas today with my own eyes, I am truly overwhelmed. From time immemorial, the Gayan-Bayan tradition has been practised across our villages. I, too, am a son of the village. Since childhood, I have grown up seeing and hearing our Namghars resonate with the sound of the Khol and Mridanga. The Mridanga is one of the principal auspicious instruments of ancient India. In mythological narratives, it has been described as a 'divine instrument'. It has no written script or textual manual; instead, it has evolved and endured over generations through a distinct tradition and style. Bringing together the Gayan-Bayan traditions scattered across Assam's villages onto a single platform is a matter of great satisfaction and pride. I extend my gratitude to every individual associated with this programme for making this possible today."

During the programme, Sonowal also felicitated Banshi Bakliyal, a distinguished Bayan artiste from Kamarchuk village in Dibrugarh district, in recognition of his decades-long dedication to the practice, training and performance of mrdangiya gayan-bayan. Sonowal conveyed his best wishes to the organisers for their continued efforts in preserving and promoting Assam's traditional art forms.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances and was attended by Assam Govt's Culture Minister, Bimal Bora, Rajya Sabha MP, Rameswar Teli, Auniati Satra Satradhikar Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami, Assam Petrochemicals Ltd. Chairman Bikul Deka, and other dignitaries, cultural practitioners and members of the public.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the real work that matters. While infrastructure is important, preserving our cultural roots is what gives a society its identity. Kudos to the Sanstha and to Sonowal ji for acknowledging their effort.
B
Bikul Deka
As someone from Assam, I feel a deep sense of pride reading this. The sound of the Mridanga in the Namghar is the sound of my childhood. We must ensure this oral tradition is documented and taught in schools too.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while such events are good, I hope there is consistent budgetary support and policy for folk artists beyond felicitations. Many traditional artistes struggle financially. The real test is in sustainable support.
S
Sarah B
The description of the Mridanga having no written manual but being passed down through generations is fascinating. India's intangible cultural heritage is so rich. Would love to hear this music someday!
K
Karthik V
"I too am a son of the village" – This line from the minister resonates deeply. True leadership is remembering one's roots. Bringing scattered village traditions to one platform is a great initiative. Jai Axom!

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