Lecture cum demonstration on Assam’s endangered folk songs-Chiya Geet and Nangeli Geet

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 21, 2024

An unique lecture cum demonstration on Chiya Geet and Nangeli Geet, endangered folk songs from Assam’s Darrang district was organized by the Regional Centre, Guwahati of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Department of Performing Arts, Assam Down Town University at Panikhaiti in Guwahati on Monday.

Taun Azad Deka, renowned empanelled folk artist of Akashvani enthralled the audience with his rendition of Chiya Geets and Nangeli Geets. He delivered the lecture in a performance cum lecture style wherein he explained the importance and beliefs behind the lyrics and history of the geets (songs).

He elucidated that these geets are carriers of social contexts and have been passed down from generations and therefore they are synonymous with oral traditions and history. He explained that it is a belief that Chiya Geets have come from Buddhist ‘charjya pad’ and Nangeli Geets used to sing in the agricultural fields between two groups without the use of any instruments, as a part of competitive entertainment and camaraderie.

He urged all departments and institutions to come together to preserve these songs that are on the verge of getting lost.

Dulal Roy, renowned playwright, theatre artist and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee graced the event as the chief guest. Prof Bandana Dutta, Dean of Studies, Assam Down Town University was the guest of honour. Other dignitaries present at the event were Prof. Narayan Ch. Talukdar, Vice Chancellor, Assam Down Town University, Prof Pranveer Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Assam Down Town University, Dr Sapam Ranabir Singh, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Regional Centre Guwahati, Utpal Dutta, Dean of Performing Arts Department, Assam Down Town University, Jatindra Mohan Bora, AO, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Regional Centre Guwahati among others.

This programme is an initiative of IGNCA Regional Centre Guwahati to document, research and preserve the endangered folk songs, dances, and musical instruments of the different communities and tribes of the Northeast.

This initiative is a part of IGNCA’s mandate and vision to study and document a wide area of research ranging from oral traditions, performing arts, visual arts, literature and lifestyle studies of various communities of North East India particularly folk and tribal communities.