On Majuli, as the Brahmaputra flows quietly beneath a moonlit sky, music rises not just to entertain, but to heal, teach, and transform. Here, art is unhurried, applause is secondary, and learning unfolds as gently as the river itself. This is Mongeet, a festival that reshapes those who participate, emphasizing depth over spectacle.
Meaning “soul music,” Mongeet has become one of Assam’s most meaningful cultural movements. Each year, it gathers young creators and seasoned artists for an immersive training program grounded in the guru–shishya tradition. Located at Dekasang in Majuli, the world’s largest river island, the festival is a unique convergence of art, culture, and mentorship.
For five to six days, Majuli transforms into a vibrant classroom. The serene river, the moonlight, and the peaceful rhythm of island life set the stage for deep creative engagement. This island holds the legacy of the Satras founded by Srimanta Sankardev, a 15th-century saint-scholar who molded Assam’s cultural and spiritual identity. His key disciple, Madhavdev, continued this vision through devotional poetry and music, including the cherished Borgeets. This lineage, where art embodies devotion, infuses Mongeet’s core.
At Mongeet, creation is a deliberate act. Initiatives such as Montulika, a creative painting workshop, and Monmrittika, focusing on Assam’s sculptural traditions, encourage participants to rethink their artistic imagination. They learn that art carries a responsibility; it can question, preserve, and influence society.
Under one roof, young creators receive guidance from respected Indian artists: actor Adil Hussain, singer-composer Joi Barua, singer Rupam Bhuyan, sarod artist Tarun Chandra Kalita, and many more. While formal lessons are vital, it is the informal interactions, the laughter, the silences, and shared thoughts that leave the most profound impact. Participants learn not just how to create art, but how to live as artists.
For founder Kaushik Nath, Mongeet is a deeply personal journey. He established the Raul Kaushik Foundation in memory of his son, who tragically lost his life in 2018 while attempting to save another child from drowning. Nath shares, “My son loved music, and through this initiative, I wanted to give back to my motherland.” What started as a tribute has evolved into a collective legacy.
The festival also serves as a platform for emerging talents to showcase original works across diverse genres-hip-hop, rap, rock, folk, and experimental music-regardless of age. Mentors like Papon, Joi Barua, and Dhrubajyoti Phukan help reinforce the belief that music is for everyone, transcending labels and limits.
Now in its seventh year, Mongeet ran from January 10 to 20, expanding in size while retaining its intimate essence. Many former participants return not only as attendees but as volunteers and mentors. One past participant aptly stated, “Mongeet gives us friendships, learning, and motivation that lasts the entire year. It pushes us to create with purpose.”
The concluding evening on January 20 served both as a celebration and a tribute. Veteran artists, including Pulak Banerjee and JP Das, performed in front of notable personalities like Adil Hussain and Manisha Hazarika. The night honored the late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on his birth centenary and Assamese icon Zubeen Garg, with Hazarika’s grandson present.
As singer Shankuraj Konwar performed “Dur Ximonat” alongside fellow musicians, participant Dhiraj Kumar Nath, known by his stage name Lenience, expressed his determination, saying, “One day, I will perform like this.” This moment encapsulated the very essence of Mongeet: inspiration, self-discovery, and the courage to dream.
As voices rose and the audience joined in, the boundaries between performers and spectators blurred. What remained was a shared sense of memory, gratitude, and community. Mongeet does not end when the music stops; it persists in the minds it influences, the art it inspires, and the quiet confidence it instills. Like the Brahmaputra, it flows onward, carrying stories, songs, and souls, connecting Assam to the world and vice versa.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/entertainment/story/where-the-river-teaches-you-to-listen-mongeet-assams-soul-music-festival-1334724-2026-01-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-21 22:57:00
