The 556th birth anniversary of Sri Sri Sankardev was celebrated on last October 2nd, 2004 under the auspices of Asam Sahitya Sabha, UK chapter. People from all over the UK and Assam attended the function. The function began with naamprasanga and ended with a cultural program. The stage inside the hall was tastefully decorated under the Asam Sahitya Sabha pennant on the top and below the dais a fresh waist-high portrait of the saint. The namotees — Jeebankumari, Lahori, Urmi, Puspa, Bhabani, Rini, Surovi, Binu, Minu, Ranee, Bhan, Geetutpalla and others occupied the right side of the aisle on the ground floor where all the guests were seated. The male devotees- Khageswar, Dinesh, Gagon, Dilip, Sarada, Benu, Pratim, Anil, and a few others occupied the rear. At the conclusion of the prayers, mahprasad was distributed. The cultural scene began with a chorus by Pratim, Bhabani, Surovi, Sahida, Sarada, Puspa, Jeebankumari, Rini, Khageswar, Dinesh and Binu. The highlight of the cultural scene was a sattriya dance by Rupali Barooah. Dr Siddhartha Sarma introduced Rupali to the house and explained succinctly the epic legend which inspired the dancer.
A number of bargeets and lokageets were presented by Suravi, Malabika, Bhabani and Sarada. Musical direction came from Mitam, Surovi played the harmonium and Dr Kukreja was on the tabla. Surovi also acted as compeer.
Gagan Hazarika, UK
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