**Executive Summary**
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal attended the second biennial state convention of the ‘Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam' in Dibrugarh. He lauded the organization's role in preserving Assam's cultural heritage and felicitated Banshi Bakliyal for his contribution to the Gayan-Bayan tradition. The event took place on January 4, 2026, and was attended by various dignitaries.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Attendance and Purpose:**
* Sarbananda Sonowal attended the ‘Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam' state convention in Dibrugarh.
* The event included Akhanda Bhagavat Path and a ceremonial programme of Sri Sri Auniati Satra.
* Sonowal commended the organisation for its sustained contribution to the preservation and propagation of the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition.
* **Statements by Sarbananda Sonowal:**
* Recognized the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition as an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life.
* Acknowledged the role of organisations like Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha in ensuring the thriving of Assam's cultural heritage by connecting tradition with the younger generation through training, performance, and disciplined practice.
* Expressed gratitude to everyone associated with bringing Gayan-Bayan traditions together.
* **Felicitation:**
* Sonowal felicitated Banshi Bakliyal for his dedication to the practice, training, and performance of mrdangiya gayan-bayan.
* **Event Attendees:**
* Assam Govt's Culture Minister, Bimal Bora.
* Rajya Sabha MP, Rameswar Teli.
* Auniati Satra Satradhikar Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami.
* Assam Petrochemicals Ltd. Chairman Bikul Deka.
* Cultural practitioners and members of the public.
**Impact Analysis**
**Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam:**
* **Impact:** The organisation's contributions to the preservation of Assam's cultural heritage were recognized and celebrated.
* **Action Required:** Continue their efforts in preserving and promoting Assam's traditional art forms, connecting tradition with the younger generation.
**Banshi Bakliyal:**
* **Impact:** Received recognition and felicitation for decades of dedication to the Gayan-Bayan tradition.
* **Action Required:** Continue practicing, training, and performing mrdangiya gayan-bayan.
**Younger Generations:**
* **Impact:** Inspired to remain rooted in Assam's classical and folk traditions.
* **Action Required:** Engage in training, performance, and disciplined practice to connect with Assam's cultural heritage.
**General Public:**
* **Impact:** Witnessed and participated in the celebration of Assam's cultural heritage, reinforcing its importance.
* **Action Required:** Support and appreciate the preservation efforts of cultural organisations.
Key Entities Referenced
Sarbananda Sonowal: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW)
Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition: A cultural and spiritual tradition practiced across Assam
Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha: Organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition
Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW): The ministry headed by Sarbananda Sonowal
Dibrugarh: Location of the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan convention
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
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प्रव तथ: 04 JAN 2026 9:08PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal attended the
second biennial full-fledged state convention of the ‘Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha, Assam’, along
with a day-long Akhanda Bhagavat Path and a ceremonial programme of Sri Sri Auniati Satra, held at
Rajgarh in Dibrugarh today.
Addressing the gathering, Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the organisation’s sustained contribution to the
practice, preservation and propagation of the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition, describing it as an
inseparable part of Assam’s cultural life.
“The Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition is an inseparable part of Assam’s cultural life. Through sustained
practice and dedication, it has enriched our cultural landscape and inspired younger generations to remain
rooted in our classical and folk traditions,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The Union Minister said that organisations such as the Mrdangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha have played a
critical role in ensuring that Assam’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive by connecting tradition with
the younger generation through training, performance and disciplined practice.
Sarbananda Sonowal further added, “Seeing this vast cultural canvas today with my own eyes, I am truly
overwhelmed. From time immemorial, the Gayan-Bayan tradition has been practiced across our villages.
I, too, am a son of the village. Since childhood, I have grown up seeing and hearing our Namghars
resonate with the sound of the Khol and Mrdanga. The Mrdanga is one of the principal auspicious
instruments of ancient India. In mythological narratives, it has been described as a ‘divine instrument’. It
has no written script or textual manual; instead, it has evolved and endured over generations through a
distinct tradition and style. Bringing together the Gayan-Bayan traditions scattered across Assam’s villages
onto a single platform is a matter of great satisfaction and pride. I extend my gratitude to every individual
associated with this programme for making this possible today.”During the programme, Sonowal also felicitated Banshi Bakliyal, a distinguished Bayan artiste from
Kamarchuk village in Dibrugarh district, in recognition of his decades-long dedication to the practice,
training and performance of mrdangiya gayan-bayan. Sonowal conveyed his best wishes to the organisers
for their continued efforts in preserving and promoting Assam’s traditional art forms.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances and was attended by Assam Govt’s Culture Minister,
Bimal Bora, Rajya Sabha MP, Rameswar Teli, Auniati Satra Satradhikar Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami,
Assam Petrochemicals Ltd. Chairman Bikul Deka, and other dignitaries, cultural practitioners and
members of the public.
****
PN/IY
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2211314) आगंतुक पटल : 826
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , Assamese , ही