At a glance: Sammilita Lokmanche hosted a vibrant all-day celebration at Silchar Sangeet Vidyalaya on the occasion of International Dhamail Day, simultaneously commemorating the 192nd birth anniversary of revered folk poet Radharaman Dutta.
The historic Mukunda Das–Kalikaprasad Smriti Mancha at Silchar Sangeet Vidyalaya came alive on Tuesday with the sights and sounds of Bengal's rich folk heritage, as Sammilita Lokmanche organised a vibrant celebration marking International Dhamail Day. The occasion was made doubly special, as it also marked the 192nd birth anniversary of Radharaman Dutta — the celebrated folk poet, mystic, and composer whose songs remain the soul of the Dhamail tradition.
A Ceremonial Beginning: Lamp Lighting and Floral Tribute to Radharaman Dutta
The programme commenced at 11 a.m. with the ceremonial lighting of the Panchapradip — five sacred lamps — followed by a heartfelt floral tribute laid before the portrait of Radharaman Dutta. Distinguished guests were warmly welcomed with traditional gamchas and commemorative mementos.
In his welcome address, Bhaskar Das, secretary of Sammilita Lokmanche, outlined the organisation's eleven-year journey championing the cause of Dhamail music and dance. He noted that a memorandum had been submitted to Assam state minister Kaushik Ray, urging national recognition of Dhamail, and expressed confidence that government support would follow.
Scholars Reflect on Radharaman Dutta's Enduring Legacy in Bengali Folk Culture
Dr. Biswatosh Chowdhury, former professor at Assam University, described Radharaman Dutta as one of the most significant mystic poets and Vaishnava philosophers of the nineteenth century. He noted that Radharaman's Dhamail songs — suffused with devotion, longing for Krishna, and spiritual love — represent an invaluable treasure of Bengali folk literature, and urged the younger generation to engage more deeply with folk culture through research.
Dr. Vibhas Dev spoke on the participation of both men and women in Dhamail dance and shared guru Bipin Singh's scholarly assessment of the art form. Dr. Meghmala Dey Mahanta of Nehru College cautioned that globalisation and urbanisation were distancing folk culture from everyday life, and urged sustained efforts to preserve folk traditions. She described Dhamail as a vital folk dance that holds community and culture together. Dr. Barun Jyoti Chowdhury highlighted the cultural importance of the Dhamail tradition and expressed gratitude to Sammilita Lokmanche.
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Social activist Swarnali Chowdhury called Dhamail a folk dance with the rare ability to draw people together as one, and paid her heartfelt respects to the memory and genius of Radharaman Dutta.
The celebration reached its emotional peak through vibrant Dhamail song and dance performances by artists from Rai Kishori Sangha, Ma Bhabani Sangha, Dudhpatil Nritya Niketan, and other cultural organisations. Solo performances by Priyanka Roy, Rinku Chowdhury, Mangala Nath, and Shukla Nath were particularly well received. The day-long programme concluded on a note of cultural pride — a fitting tribute to the timeless legacy of Radharaman Dutta and the enduring spirit of Dhamail.
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