Guwahati, Jan. 24: The third edition of Rongali festival, a three-day cultural extravaganza that will begin here from February 3, vouches to bring back the concept of Bor Axom by showcasing the culture of more than 15 indigenous communities and 40 dance forms during the festival.

Assam, which included almost the entire Northeast, except Manipur and Khasi hills during the colonial period, was called Bor Axom. After Independence, Assamese poet and song writer duo Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha used the term to denote all the indigenous communities of Assam.

"People are talking about breaking up Assam into pieces. But what we should do is to bring Jyoti and Bishnu's Bor Axom back in Assam. That is why this edition of Rongali festival will showcase the culture, dance, food and the way of life of all the tribes and communities of Assam," chief organiser of the festival, Shyamkanu Mahanta, told reporters here today.

The festival is being organised by Trend MMS, a social organisation, in association with the state department of tourism along with the Tour Operators Association and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Assam. The three-day event will be conducted simultaneously at three venues here - Veterinary ground at Khanapara, Brahmaputra riverfront and at Noonmati sector I. The total budget of the event is Rs 2 crore.

"Around 15 indigenous councils have confirmed their participation. A 75-member team from Bodo tribal council will showcase their dance forms and food. A 150-member team from Dima Hasao council will come and show their dance forms, food and artefacts. They will also set up a model Dima Hasao hut for the visitors in a bid to present Haflong as a tourist spot. Mising, Karbi, Amri Karbi, Sonowal Kachari, Thangal Kachari, Deuri, Tai Phakey and Singphos will also showcase their dance forms. A total of 40 dance forms of Assam will be showcased," Mahanta said.

The Nepali Gurkhas and Bhatials of sar areas will showcase their dance forms and music, Mahanta added.

The festival will have several events such as rafting, paragliding, hot air balloon rides during the day and music performances at night.

"We will bring 10 pilots from around the country. We have acquired 10 paragliders and five parasailing equipment for the event. These will be done at Noonmati. At the Khanapara field, we will have rock shows at night that will feature Nucleya and other musicians," Mahanta said.

He said entry in the festival will be free during the day but for the music shows, visitors will have to purchase tickets.