Assam’s Rongali Festival Set to Begin Tomorrow
The three-day music festival’s to feature Nucleya as headliner and sets from Parikrama, Euphoria, Divine, Zaeden, Ash King and more
The Rongali Festival is not one to leave out local traditions and culture. Photo: Rongali Festival/Facebook
If there’s one thing that sets the North-East apart, it is their government’s continual support towards promoting music and culture. This year is no different, with the state of Assam set to roll out the third edition of the ever-growing Rongali Festival. With almost two lakh attendees in 2016 alone, the festival is known for drawing crowds thanks to its diverse lineup. Previous editions have seen an impressive roster of artists including Bollywood singer-songwriter Papon, fusion rock veterans Indian Ocean, Indian classical musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and more. In a way, Rongali’s lineup could make it the Assamese version of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival.
The three-day music and cultural fest goes on from February 3rd to February 5th at Khanapara Veterinary Ground and the Brahmaputra riverfront in Guwahati. Breakout bass artist Udyan Sagar aka Nucleya is set to headline while New Delhi rock veterans Parikrama and Euphoria will ensure a flood of Nineties nostalgia.
Electronic producer Nucleya at Rongali Festival in 2016. Photo: Rongali Festival/Facebook
With hip-hop shedding its underground tag last year, the festival will feature one of the frontrunners of the genre, Mumbai rapper Vivian Fernandes aka Divine. Other acts include Nagaland-based grunge and folk-fusion act Alobo Naga & the Band, New Delhi DJ Zaeden and Ukranian DJ Teri Miko. Joining them on the lineup are fusion band North East Breeze, Assamese singer/composer Zubeen Garg and Mumbai-based Assamese singer Joi Barua. “Rongali will bring the essence of Assam with a focus on tribal culture of Assam. It will also celebrate music in a big way with the biggest music festival ever in the region,” says Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of the festival.
Not one to leave out local traditions and culture, Rongali also promises small joys such as appreciating art with indigenous weavers and artisans as well as exploring the delectable Assamese cuisine. Plus the riverfront along the massive Brahmaputra will serve as a hotspot for various aero sports and water sports activities. The never-ending list of things to do at the fest also includes boat races, angling competitions and trekking.
For more details about Rongali Festival, click here.
