Goalpara, Dec 14: Badungduppa Kalakendra, a prominent cultural institution in Rampur, Goalpara district of Assam, is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the 15th edition of the ‘Under the Sal Tree’ theatre festival, which will take place from December 15 to 17, 2024. Known for its eco-friendly approach and international recognition, the festival will be held amidst the scenic Sal tree plantation, highlighting the institution’s commitment to sustainability.

Founded in 1998 by the late Sukracharjya Rabha, Badungduppa Kalakendra has been a pioneer in blending art with nature. This year’s festival, centered on the themes of retrospection and shared memories, marks a milestone of 25 years of innovative experimentation in theatre.

The festival will feature performances in four languages: Bodo, Tamil, Hindi, and Rabha, with theatre groups from across India. The opening ceremony on December 15 will be inaugurated by renowned painter Rabiram Brahma. The inaugural performances will include the Rabha play Dadan Raja, directed by Dhananjay Rabha, and the Bodo play Monglee, directed by Pabitra Rabha.

On December 16, the Tamil play Kindhan Charithiram, directed by Rajiv Krishnan, will be staged alongside the Hindi play Kisan Raj, directed by Dr. Gaurav Das. The festival will conclude on December 17 with a Rabha folk performance and a special session reflecting on the 25-year journey of Badungduppa Kalakendra.

The festival pays tribute to the legacy of Sukracharjya Rabha, particularly his introduction of the “Hygiene Theatre” concept, which integrates sustainability with artistic expression. Over the years, the festival has attracted theatre groups from India and abroad, earning global recognition for its unique approach to theatre.

In addition to the performances, the silver jubilee celebrations will feature the release of several publications documenting the organization’s journey. The event is supported by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, IOCL, and Bongaigaon Refinery, underscoring the power of art in preserving cultural heritage.