Festival hailed as symbol of Sanatan traditions and community harmony
Guwahati, Nov 6 : Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday inaugurated the Palashbari Raas Mahotsav, stressing the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance and calling it a symbol of Assam’s shared heritage and social cohesion.
Addressing devotees and residents, Acharya said Palashbari reflects the state’s soul—its natural beauty, history, literature, art and spirituality—and praised the community for preserving living traditions through sustained effort.
Highlighting the festival’s role, Acharya said, “Raas Mahotsav is not only a celebration of devotion to Lord Krishna but also a platform that brings together people from diverse communities, fostering harmony, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. It reinforces our collective identity, strengthens community bonds, and inspires a deep sense of pride in our heritage. This festival, held with great devotion and enthusiasm, stands as a shining example of our rich Sanatan heritage, reflecting the timeless traditions of our creative arts, values etc”.
He said the Raas Mahotsav embodies the spirit of devotion and unity kindled by Srimanta Sankardev through the Bhakti movement, adding that art, music, dance and theatre continue to uphold values of truth, compassion and faith.
Underscoring India’s “unity in diversity,” Acharya referred to the timeless values of tolerance, non-violence and humanity found in the Vedas, Upanishads, the Gita and the Ramayana. He added that the Raas Leela symbolizes the union of the soul with divinity, where love and devotion transcend worldly boundaries.
Noting the festival’s journey from modest beginnings to its 79th edition this year, the Governor commended organisers, artistes and citizens for their efforts. He said India is witnessing a revival of ancient cultural heritage and cited sites such as Batadrava Than and Charaideo Maidams gaining recognition. He congratulated the organisers and prayed to Lord Shri Krishna to guide all on the path of truth, righteousness and duty.
Those present included Palashbari MLA Hemanga Thakuria; senior journalist Syed Zarir Hussain; environmentalist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman; Palashbari Municipal Board chairperson Reena Das Kalita; Palashbari Raas Mahotsav Committee president Manimoy Kar; and the committee’s cultural secretary Rameshwar Das, among other dignitaries.
