Assam's 'Bihu' Dancers in Enthralling Performances Thrill Kilinochchi Civilians

A record gathering of about 1000 spectators, including Army personnel of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN), perhaps for the first time in Kilinochchi's history on Saturday (27) enjoyed rare and colourful dancing skills of the most-reputed 'Bihu' dance group of Assam in India, thanks to the patronage, extended by the Jaffna-based Consul General of India, Mr Shri A. Natarajan to Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, Security Forces -Kilinochchi (SF-KLN).

This exquisite folk dance of Assam, generally performed during the period after the completion of harvest is comprised of many other forms, like Bhortal Naritya dance, Tokari Geet dance, Domahi Kikan dance, Mishing Gumrak dance, Borot dance, Kushan dance, Borodoichikhal dance, Hamzar dance, Lewa Tana Nrittya dance, Jhumur dance, Oja Dhol Badan dance, etc and has won international accolades.

The arrangement at 'Nelum Piyasa' auditorium was graced by Consul General of India, Mr Shri A. Natarajan as the Chief Guest, together with District Secretary for Kilinochchi Mr A. Arumanayagam, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi, Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr W.M.R.M.W Walikanna, General Officer Commanding, 66 Division, Major General Duminda Keppetiwalana, General Officer Commanding, 65 Division, Major General Sarath Weerawardhana, Commander, Forward Maintenance Area - Kilinochchi, Brigadier Indrajith Vidyananda and many Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks enjoyed the cultural spectacle that contributes to the promotion of goodwill and relations between India and Sri Lanka.

A large section of more than 500 enthusiastic Kilinochchi civilians watched the proceedings amid applause. Among the spectators were several Hindu and Catholic priests.

The Indian envoy who recently enjoyed a mega Christmas arrangement, including X'mas Carols, staged by the troops in Kilinochchi, has taken the initiative in this regard in close coordination with the High Commission of India in Colombo.