Guwahati: From traditional boat race to cycling to musical extravaganza, tourism festival Rongali is in the city with a three-day programme beginning Friday.

Talking to the media, Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser of Rongali, on Tuesday said various events will be held highlighting the life and culture of the state.

Barring the boat race, which will be held at Dighalipukhuri on the first day of the event, the other events will be held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.

"Icons like Srimanta Xankardeb, Sukaphaa, Chilarai, Lachit Borphukon, Bhupen Hazarika and Vishnu Rabha will be the focus in Rongali Art Carnival, where some of the most talented young artistes of the region would create a canvas of art, including doodle art, string art, hyper-realism and graffiti," Mahanta said.

"A Bor Axom will showcase the lives and culture of the state. There will be ankia bhaona, mukha bhaona, a choreography competition, a national-level rock band competition, colourful dance forms of the region and a large craft exhibition," Mahanta said.

He said around 20 designers comprising the best of the region will showcase the spectacular designs with 30 talented models of the region. "Another attraction will be a group dance competition curated by Pankaj lngti that will depict historical events of Assam," Mahanta said.

"This year, Rongali will bring some of the finest bands of the country playing with top names of Assam. Arun Das, the rock star of yesteryears, will make a comeback on the first day of the show. Neel Akash, Kussum Kailash, Simanta Sekhar, Anaya Brahma, Nilotpal Bora, Zublee Baruah will perform. Rongali Good Vibe stage will also bring many young talented Assamese musicians to the forefront," Mahanta said.

Zubeen Garg, Papon, Raghu Dixit and D Nucleya will also perform at the event.