Guwahati: The annual “folkTea” festival which attracts visitors from all over India to a little tea garden in Pabhoi near Biswanath Chariali to experience Assamese folk music in the middle of lush green tea gardens with the majestic Himalayas in the background is returning on November 26–27.
The Bauls are also participating in this festival, which features performances by all the major tribes and groups over the course of two nights in the most rural setting. This festival has gradually but organically emerged as an alternative form of sustainable rural tea tourism because it provides a genuine sense of being in harmony with nature.
According to Debabrta Medhi one of the event organisers, the event, which is supported by the community, is held annually on the last weekend of November inside a STG. Guests will stay in camps, local homestays and hotels run by Biswanath Chariali. No artificial lighting, no stage, and the event will be held outside.
In addition to a Bhaona, a drama starring Xatriya and the Bauls has been planned struggling folk musicians from the Bodo, Mishing, Garo and tea tribes will also participate.
Entrepreneurs from all walks of life are anticipated to attend and take part in this special event, therefore this year there will also be a “Xaaj” tasting session.