Silchar, Oct 16: Twelve Naachghars and four Durga Puja mandaps have been inaugurated across tea garden areas of Lakhipur constituency over the past three days, creating dedicated spaces for cultural activities and religious celebrations.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune on Friday after inaugurating the facilities, Cabinet Minister and Lakhipur MLA Kaushik Rai said the projects fulfilled his commitment to make the venues operational before Durga Puja. Their foundation stones were laid in February and March this year.
“I had promised the people that these Naachghars and Durga mandaps would be made functional in time for Durga Puja and other community occasions. I am happy that we have been able to fulfil that commitment,” Rai said.
The projects were constructed under the Barak Valley Development Department at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore, the minister said.
On Friday, Rai inaugurated a newly constructed Durga Puja mandap at Kalabil Bagan under Labak Gaon Panchayat and three Naachghars at Jirighat, Lakhipur and Nandan Kanan tea gardens.
The Naachghars are expected to serve as venues for cultural performances, social gatherings and traditional activities, particularly in tea garden communities where such spaces play an important role in sustaining collective cultural practices.
The facilities are also expected to promote folk art and Jhumur dance, while providing local artists with opportunities to showcase their talent and helping preserve the distinctive cultural traditions of tea garden residents.
Rai said the Durga Puja mandaps would provide dedicated spaces for religious observances and community celebrations, while the Naachghars would contribute to the social and cultural life of the tea garden areas.
He added that the initiatives were aimed at strengthening community development and preserving the cultural heritage of tea garden residents, reiterating his commitment to the development of these communities.
He reiterated his commitment to the development of tea garden communities and the preservation of their cultural heritage.