Photo courtesy: Assam tourism

It’s been almost five to six long years since I had attended the second Brahmaputra beach festival which took place almost after two years after the first one. I had come home for my winter holidays and I got to know about then beach festival from my friends. I was really very excited to attend the festival as I had heard a lot about it from my friends and relatives. I kept insisting my father to take me to attend the beach festival and, therefore, my parents had to.

After we reached the bank of the Brahamaputra we had to walk almost half a kilometre to reach the beach in question. Almost fifty ferries were together linked with the beach and we had to walk through that. It was beautifully arranged. As we reached the sandy beach we saw around hundred food and other stalls. The stalls were selling various items right from traditional attires to the traditional food items to the decorative items of different Northeast states. One could shop as well as enjoy the traditional food and music. People from all over the Northeast had come to attend the Brahmaputra Beach Festival. It was altogether a festival of exchange of cultures and traditions.

The water sports lovers could enjoy activities like the para-sailing and water-skiing. I still remember that I had to stand almost for an hour and a half to try out the para-sailing event. There were even stalls which had indoor games. One could play the indoor games if one preferred staying away from the sun.

Now it’s been almost six years since the second Beach Festival had actually taken place in Guwahati. Many people might have already forgotten that once upon a time we had a festival like this one. I think such festivals need to be organised again. It helps in promoting cultural and tradition. It also helps people to know about the other Northeast states. Children really enjoy such festivals and even elders get to learn a lot from them.

The concept of the Brahmaputra Beach Festival was truly amazing and it was so well planned and organised. I think such festivals should take place once again. We don’t know the valid reason of the Brahmaputra Beach Festival was never continued. But I wish and hope that one day we will get to experience the fun and excitement we once had during the festival.

So long, then.