Schedule for Sirish™ 2018

The main event of Sirish™ is preceded by preliminary events across the Brahmaputra Valley and Dooars of North Bengal. Since the Tea Tribe culture and arts is fragmented across the region, these preliminaries take the festival down to the grassroots to bring out the best talent and diversity. 

Prelims would be held in the following venue and date

Sunday, 28th January 2018 Damdim (Malbazar)

The Dam Dim Tea Estate is spread over an area of about 1500 hectares with 738 hectares of planted tea. Research on the origins of the estate and the name ‘Dam Dim’ itself reveals quite a few interesting discoveries.In the bygone days, the tribals from the hills would come down to the plains with the intention of selling or bartering their wares and produce, with the people residing here. The route that these historic traders took is now called the Chel Bypass. Interestingly, this route is the main trade route to Nathula Pass.The name Dam Dim has its origins in the name of an insect – Dim Dima, found in the North East. An interesting anecdote supports the origin of the name. Immediately after the fire in the Hatkhola factory, the engineer entrusted with the refurbishing of the place, was apparently quite fed up with the monotonous Carte–Du–Jour. His breakfast, which mostly comprised of an omelet or some other egg preparation, was not much to his liking. Here eggs are known as ‘Deem’. Having been quite hassled about his regular meal, his frequent outbursts – ‘Damn Deem’, gave rise to its current name.

Sunday, 4th February 2018 Nahorani

The estate was named Nahorani, as there were plenty of luscious Nahor trees in the surroundings. The tea-estate is located in the Sonitpur district, just adjacent to the Rangapara town, in Assam.

Monday, 5th February 2018 Hattigor

Hattigor, as it is known locally, literally translated means – elephant (hatti) and Trench or Moat (English translation of the Assamese word ‘Gorh’). The tea estate was used for trapping elephants, prior to planting tea. The tea-estate is located in a potentially drought prone area of Udalguri. It is ensconced between Bhola River & the Army Camp in the east; Maranadi River & Beltola Village in the west; Jorapukhuri Village & Majuli Tea Estate in the north; and finally, Purana Hatigarh and Teliapara Village in the south. The Hattigor Tea Estate is well connected by Road, Railway & Air communications. The climate, here, is hot & humid. The Estate receives an average annual rainfall of 150 to 200 cm.

Saturday, 10th February 2018 Nahartoli

Nahortoli, as it is known locally, has derived its name from the Nahor trees, which used to provide shade to the travelers in this area. Passersby used to take rest in the shade of these Nahor trees. The word ‘Toli’ means under the tree. The estate has three divisions. The names of the divisions are, in turn, derived from the trees that were found in the region – Kodom Tree – Kodomoni, Poma Tree – Pomatoli & Nahortoli Divisions.

Sunday, 11th February 2018 Teok

Teok, as it is more commonly known, has derived its name from the TAI language. It literally means – ‘The place of milk and ghee’. The tea estate has five divisions, namely – Teok, Jogdua, Namsissu, Dallim & Konikor. The estate is well connected by road, rail & air. The nearest railway station is Selenghat, which is situated near the Dallim division. The Jorhat Airport is only 25 kms away.

Saturday, 17th February 2018 Kellyden

The Kellyden Tea Estate is a very picturesque site located 40 kms from Nagaon and 35 kms from Tezpur. The nearest airport is Tezpur / Guwahati and the nearest railway station is at Jakhalabandha . Thus the estate is well connected by road, rail & air. The world heritage site, “Kaziranga National Park” which is famous for its one horned rhino and its rich wildlife, is an hour’s drive away. It is also close to Salona reserve forest which is on the southern side of the estate and is an abode for wild elephants. On the eastern side are the looming Karbi Anglong hills. A broad gauge rail line also runs through the estate with two unmanned crossings. The estate has 3 divisions namely Misa, Kellyden & Hatigaon.

11:00 am  |  Folk Dance Prelims : 15 Teams
03:00 pm  |  Felicitation and declaration of winners
05:00 pm  |  Zonal Competitive Rounds-8 teams
07:00 pm  |  Cultural Extravaganza: Sajan Nayak and Subil Barg
 
Sunday, 18th February 2018 Sirish™ Finals
02:00 pm  |  Felicitation of Guests
02:05 pm  |  Inaugural song
02:10 pm  |  Welcome speech by - Chairman, APPL Foundation
02:15 pm  |  Prize distribution and performance by Runners Up team
02:20 pm  |  Speech by Hon’ble Minister Shri Keshab Mahanta
02:25 pm  |  Prize distribution and performance by Winning team
02:30 pm  |  Speech by Hon’ble Minister Shri Pallab Lochan Das
02:35 pm  |  Release of Sirish™ 2018 Souvenir by Hon’ble Minister Shri Atul Bora
02:40 pm  |  Speech by Hon’ble Minister Shri Atul Bora
02:45 pm  |  Icon Award presentation and acceptance by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam
02:55 pm  |  Speech by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
03:05 pm  |  Vote of thanks by Managing Trustee, APPL Foundation
03:10 pm  |  Jatiya Sangeet
03:15 pm  |  Folk Dance Medley
Cultural Extravaganza from 04:30 pm onwards, featuring folk dance performance by Sabar team (West Bengal), Satnami team (Rangapara), crèche performance by Kellyden TE, Dulal Manki, Skit by Muskan Club (Sagmootea TE), Trishna Kurmi, Neel Akash and Kusum Kailash