The International Shiva Festival is currently underway at the historic town of Sivasagar.
The first-of-its-kind event is an attempt to highlight the religious and cultural significance of Maha Shivratri on the town.
Inaugurated on February 13, the three-day festival which will come to an end on February 15 aims to generate tourism opportunities in Upper Assam, predominantly highlighting the Ahom heritage of Sivasagar.
Artists from around the world have been flocking to the erstwhile capital of the Ahom kingdom to experience the event.
Countries like France, Italy, Romania, Japan and Australia have taken an active part in this unique cultural exchange which is one of the major highlights of the event.
An international painting completion was organized on February 13 at 9 in the morning. The competition saw various artists from different countries participating and showcasing their talent and attempting to capture their surroundings into the canvas.
Eminent Australian artist Peter Ciemitis’s work, which is a unique amalgamation of words woven into landscapic tradition of art, was displayed and was one of the main crowd pullers of the art competition.
Japanese Kathak dancer Masako Sato mesmerized audiences in the cultural programme held in the evening. Her performance gave the spectators a taste of Indian culture presented by a foreign maestro.
After an auspicious ceremony performed at the Sivadol on 13 February, the three day festival was inaugurated by District Commissioner Narayan Konwar.
Chief Guests Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MP Jorhat Constituency, Subodh Sonowal, Commissioner of Sivasagar Police, Bhaben Mohan District BJP President and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is also expected to grace the occasion.
