PRESS RELEASE
A Milestone in Cultural Studies
“Bihu: An Agricultural Festival of Assam” – A Landmark Academic Volume
Guwahati | New Delhi – June 29, 2025
In a significant
moment for cultural scholarship in India, the much-anticipated academic volume “Bihu:
An Agricultural Festival of Assam”, prepared under the aegis of the North
East Zone of ICOMOS India, was officially launched today at the Annual General Meeting
of ICOMOS India. The volume was unveiled by Dr. Rima Hooja, President of
the National Committee, who commended the extraordinary intellectual and
field-based contributions of the North East Zone—the youngest among the ICOMOS
zones, yet a shining exemplar of excellence at both national and international
levels over the past five years.
Leading
cultural experts GSVSN Murthy, Bikramjit Chakraborty, and Madhu
Vottery recalled their enriching collaborations with the North East Zone,
while Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, the volume’s editor, offered a concise
overview of the book’s structure and themes.
This
volume is more than a documentation of a festival—it is a testament to
rigorous scholarship, community-rooted research, and the unwavering commitment
of heritage professionals. Conceived, initiated, and brought to fruition by
Shri Dilip Changkakoty, Zonal Representative of the North East Zone of
ICOMOS India, the work reflects years of solitary academic labour and visionary
cultural stewardship.
The Genesis of a Cultural Journey
The
scholarly journey began in 2020, with the North East Zone organizing the
first-ever webinar on Bihu—a pioneering step toward bringing Assam’s
intangible cultural heritage into mainstream academic discourse. This was
followed in 2021 by an international essay competition, attracting
researchers and cultural practitioners from across the globe. What emerged was
not just a festival narrative but a nuanced socio-cultural inquiry into a
living tradition shaped by agrarian life, seasonal rhythms, and evolving
community identities.
A Multi-Layered Research Endeavour
Guided
by Shri Changkakoty’s vision, the volume draws from field research,
ethnography, oral histories, and socio-economic analyses, documenting the
many dimensions of Bihu—from urban celebrations to rural rituals. The research
team interacted with a broad cross-section of Bihu’s custodians: committee
leaders, artisans, performers, weavers, food vendors, and cultural officials.
A
notable feature of the research is its attention to the Sattriya tradition,
highlighting the subtle confluences between Bihu and Sattra culture. The study
is further enriched by media analysis, historical documentation, and digital
ethnography—capturing transformations and continuities in Bihu practices across
age groups, geographies, and social strata.
A Monument of Editorial Commitment
The
making of this volume was no ordinary editorial task. Shri Changkakoty not only
conceptualized the project but also personally translated Assamese contributions,
ensured linguistic precision, and oversaw design and production—all without the
support of a formal editorial team. His painstaking efforts ensured that every
contribution retained its scholarly integrity and cultural authenticity.
Collaborative Excellence and Archival Rarity
The
book brings together an impressive constellation of contributors: Dr.
Prasanna Gogoi, Somnath Bora, the late Prabhat Sarmah, and Bihu
icon Shubhalakshmi Pandit (Bora), alongside passionate grassroots artists
whose voices animate the volume’s pages. Photographs by the late Amulya
Manna and Jiten Das lend rare visual depth, transforming the
publication into an archival artifact of enduring value.
Editor Dr.
Sanjib Kumar Borkkakoti played a pivotal role in synthesizing these diverse
voices into a scholarly, cohesive whole.
From
Manuscript to Monument
Despite
considerable challenges in identifying a publisher capable of honouring the
academic scope of the work, the project found its ideal partner in Purbayon
Publication, led by Dr. Amrit Upadhyay. Their dedication ensured
that this English-language volume would meet the highest standards—designed to
serve researchers, policymakers, cultural workers, and general readers alike.
A
Call to the Global Heritage Community
“Bihu: An Agricultural Festival of Assam” is not merely a
book—it is an invitation to the world to engage with the living heritage of
Assam. In its pages, the spirit of participatory knowledge, rigorous inquiry,
and ethical cultural documentation lives on. It reflects the core mission of
ICOMOS India: to safeguard heritage through scholarship that is inclusive,
field-driven, and future-oriented.
We
extend our heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and stakeholders, and take
immense pride in presenting this volume to the global cultural community. This
work stands as a beacon of collective intellect, cultural pride, and
scholarly endurance.
For more
information, please contact:
Purbayon Publication
Jaswanta Road, Near Panbazar Aadarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya
Panbazar, Guwahati – 781001, INDIA
Mobile: +91 986 442 2157
Website: www.purbayonpublication.com
Sd/-
DILIP CHANGKAKOTY
Zonal Representative
North East Zone of ICOMOS India
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