Guwahati, Sept. 21: The Jiadhal is usually a source of anguish for flood-prone Dhemaji but soon the river could provide a beautiful backdrop to the scene of the district's economic revival.

Residents are gearing up to celebrate the third edition of Dhemaji Festival at the origin of the Jiadhal, along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, from January 7 next year.

"During the monsoon, the Jiadhal swells up within hours with water coming down the hills of Arunachal Pradesh and wrecks havoc in the district. That is why it has a bad reputation among the people. But we believe if the river is controlled in a scientific way, it will provide a way to develop fisheries, agriculture and sericulture. We will organise discussions on the flood problem of the district as well as how to make use of Jiadhal for economic development of people during the festival," said Muhi Borgohain, general secretary of the Dhemaji Festival organising committee.

The organisers said the aim of the festival is to show the world how various communities have been living peacefully in the district with their distinctive lifestyles, to highlight the rich natural resources and historical monuments of the district and to finding ways to preserve the dying traditions and cuisines of different communities.

"The district grabs headlines because of floods. Dhemaji and floods have become synonymous. We want to show the other picture of the district - its rich culture, colourful lives of various communities, natural resources and historical monuments," Borgohain said.

The festival will also help strengthen ties between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, he said. In the past two editions of the festival, large numbers of people from Arunachal Pradesh participated.

The organisers said more than 5 lakh people are expected to attend the festival.