In Ahom-era Rang Ghar row over ‘religious symbols’ at laser show

GUWAHATI: Controversy erupted in Assam after “religious symbols” were spotted in projections of a laser show at the Ahom-era amphitheater Rang ghar in Sivasagar district.

However, the district administration claimed that it was a “misunderstanding” due to some clips during the trial run and the final cut was approved after consultation with various stakeholders.
Rang Ghar is among 13 iconic monuments across the country where the culture ministry has planned state-of-the-art projection mapping shows to mark the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on Sunday.

A government official said the shows will showcase the historical, architectural significance and distinctive features of the region, highlighting the diversity of India as a country, along the lines of the diverse themes and themes that the Prime Minister has introduced in his speech. What was addressed in the broadcast?
As the laser show planned at the Rang ghar was tested on Friday night, the use of certain religious symbols drew strong reactions from various political parties and organizations.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Debbarta Saikia said the amphitheater is the pride of the Assamese community and has been a performance arena showcasing the state’s culture.
“No party should be allowed to use it for political gain or display its symbols,” the Congress leader added.

Shivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi said that he has written to the Chief Minister, top ASI officials and Deputy Commissioner (DC) on the issue.
He claimed that a meeting was held with ASI officials over DC’s interference, and the controversial parts were cut from the final show.

“Rang Ghar can be used to present the rich history of our state without any communal colouring,” asserted Gogoi.
Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi also objected to the use of “religious symbols” and said, “The color is the color of the house, it is a symbol of Assam and its unity. We do not use any religious symbols for it.” will not tolerate.

Raijor Dal, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad protested in front of the historical monument demanding the removal of the disputed sections.
A top district official said the dispute arose out of a “misunderstanding” and all matters have been resolved.

“The private party that will run the show did a dry run of the proposed laser show last night. Later some parties and organizations objected to certain clips. They have been removed from the final show which has been approved,” They said.

“Light and sound shows are organized at the Rang Ghar on various occasions and there has never been any problem,” the official maintained.