Guwahati: Rabha Divas is a festival in Assam honouring the famous Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha. His contribution to the welfare of the state is continually remembered, which is why Rabha Divas is celebrated every year on June 20th. Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s excellent contributions have had a significant impact on the state’s culture and literature.
Who Is Bishnu Prasad Rabha?
As one of the pioneers of Assamese music, Bishnu Prasad Rabha has amassed a large following. Within the Assamese community, he is known as the Kalaguru. His brilliance was not restricted to music; he also contributed magnificent works to Assamese literature. He had acquired recognition as a dramatist, poet, dancer, and actor as a result of his multi-talented nature.
Contribution Towards Society
He has made a significant contribution to the state’s growth beyond Assam’s culture and literature. He defied British rule and was an outspoken opponent of wage slavery and capitalism. He was an ardent participant in the liberation and freedom struggle. His life and energies were dedicated to the cause of independence. His goals were always centred on societal freedom from deprivation, poverty, and corruption.
Bishnu Prasad Rabha was also a member of the Revolutionary Communist Party of India’s (RCPI) armed revolutionary campaign. The goal of such participation was to free the country from the British Empire and the wrath of the local lords.
When he bestowed his ancestral property of roughly 2500 bigha of land on the peasants, it was clear that he was a remarkable man. His financial situation deteriorated dramatically, and he was unable to afford therapy for his wife Kanaklata, who died as a result of her sickness. However, this did not deter him from assisting his people and devoting his entire life to their growth.
Awards, Achievements & Recognition
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan bestowed the title of Kala Guru on Bishnu Rabha Prasad. He is regarded as the personification of Nataraja and a state treasure. Rabha Sangeet is the name given to the songs he composed. However, he died in 1969, which was a tragic event. However, his contribution to Assam’s progress has not gone unnoticed. As a result, every year on June 20th, Rabha Divas is observed to honour him. Every year, the state government honours his talent and accomplishments by bestowing awards in the cultural or musical genres of Assam.
In addition, Bishnu Rabha Smriti Udyan, a commemorative park, has been constructed to honour such a remarkable figure. It is located in Tezpur, close to the Brahmaputra River. People pay reverence to Bishnu Rabha Divas by presenting flower adoration or lighting an earthen lamp. It also includes dance and song performances, the most of which were written by Bishnu Rabha Prasad himself. On this day, people perform enthralling RabhaSangeet enactments.
Individuals also recall his contributions and how he helped to shape a better Assam. Another goal of commemorating Bishnu Prasad Rabha’s bravery and inventiveness is to educate the public about his importance and contribution.
Rabha Divas 2022 Celebration
The State Directorate of Cultural Affairs will confer the Bishnu Rabha awards on two eminent artistes of the state, besides giving away 12 other awards today, June 20, the birthday of Kalaguri Bishnu Rabha. These honours, which include three national ones, will be given to those who have made significant contributions to art, culture, and literature.