‘Dengrali’ is a word derived from the Karbi language, ‘deng’ means ‘gos’ (tree) and ‘rali’ means ‘bhagin’ (nephew).
This Karbi term is the simple definition of the most crucial relationship shared between mankind and nature, a kinship that binds us all together and pushes a step closer to mother Earth. Karbi people worship nature, this closeness has paved a way for the interplay of the union with mother nature and humans in the journey of life.
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Situated at Sonapur, ‘Dengrali’ can be easily traced as it lies right behind the Sonapur College at a distance of 30 kms (approx.) from Guwahati. Dengrali is a private space in Sonapur which is a base for the eco-theater consisting of a stage, an amphitheatre, surrounded by an afforested forest that took 15-20 years to build. It is owned and formed by the power couple, Mridul Gupta and Manimala Das. Mridul Gupta, renowned director and producer, a ‘Rajat Kamal’ award winner for his documentary Film ‘Tai Phakeys’ (2007) is one of the finest filmmakers in Assam and Northeast India known to have created films based on nature and promoting indigenous culture. In 2023, ‘Mirbeen’ (2022) a Karbi feature film directed by Mridul Gupta and written by Manimala Das was selected in the 15 movies that were competing for the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock Award’ at 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa and was screened there. Manimala Das is a professional actor, theatre artist, director, scriptwriter and was also a faculty in Sonapur College in the department of Theatre and Stagecraft. She has completed her studies from National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi. She invented the ‘Dengrali Creators Hub’, and teaches theatre, art, drama to her interested students and they also perform in events. The team is growing every year with the rising number of students and it even serves as a shelter for the underprivileged students, giving them a platform to learn and perform vocational courses. She also organises workshops and is actively pursuing her acting career throughout the journey.
It is said that Dengrali is the brainchild of Mridul Gupta and Manimala Das. Not only did they clean the place and planted trees that have turned into a beautiful forest but with great care they have nurtured the forest like their own child for 15-20 years. Initially, the hill was partly demolished, only carrying vines and creepers and a few trees were cut down, however, this duo came up with a plan and decided to implement afforestation with various species of trees. Since they are ardent lovers of nature and both share a creative background, the couple created this space as an appreciation for performance art. A close friend and colleague of Manimala Das, Sapna Medhi, a professor in Tourism and Travel Management department at Sonapur College said Manimala always loved nature to an extent of observing what birds like to feed on and on the very next day she would plant a tree or bring more food for the particular birds and insects living in the area. Both husband and wife made every effort and shed every drop of sweat to bring this eco-theatre structure to life. They converted a red soil hill to a green forest just by restoring it with afforestation. Gradually, they have settled in the region after 5-6 years and have also built a small cottage that consists of a small library to preserve and present the culture of Karbi people and along with that, the cottage has a large roof where Manimala and her students utilise the space for rehearsal of plays. Mrs. Medhi has been associated with Dengrali since its formation and has been guiding people and promoting the community and artistry work carried by the ‘Dengrali Creators Hub’.
Most people know about the poignant theatre performances that the Rabha community organises in the Goalpara district, a place renowned for a festival under the canopy of tall Sal trees. Stimulating environment and sensational drama performances surrounded by nature have touched many, attracting large crowds in their annual festival every year. Drawing parallels to that of ‘Under The Sal Trees’ festival of Badungduppa in Goalpara district, Sonapur is proud to have an identical framework of eco-theatre, ‘Dengrali’ a place which connects nature with mankind and celebrates theatre artform in the most appealing way, fascinating everyone. ‘Dengrali Creators Hub’ is highly supported by the indigenous Karbi community living in that area; they all come together to celebrate art and culture in the form of dance and drama. Debuted in 2021, they have been hosting a two-day celebration ‘Dengrali Tides’ that draws a crowd of hundred each December. 2024 will mark the festival’s 4th Anniversary in December.
‘Dengrali Tides’ festival welcomes artists of performing arts from every part of Assam and Northeast. In the past three years, popular theatre artists were invited as guests of honour to inaugurate the event. Selected troupes of theatre performers are allowed to perform on the festival days. Last year, Himangshu Prasad Das an actor, director and a playwright of Assam performed a play, The Great Investigation at the Dengrali Tides- shristir manthan Festival. A group of Badungduppa’s performers played Maidaiah The Cobbler, a play by Sukracharjya Rabha, were one among the troupes last year. Once the festival also experienced a group of specially abled children who performed a play. The two days festivities are filled with joyful celebration, highlighting the importance of displaying the Karbi culture, language and art. A corner of the festival is dedicated for exhibitions of art, sketches, craft, and a gallery with photographs. Since the location of this venue is in a far off deserted place from the city, shops or markets are not easily accessible in that region. Therefore, the Dengrali neighbourhood proposed that the Karbi women's group set up kiosks selling tea, snacks, and other food items. Promoting traditional cuisine and encouraging women to participate in such work that provide a living wage are the two goals of this initiative.
The main attraction of ‘Dengrali Tides’ is to show the ultimate performance of their play, “Kordoi Xiriya Paharor Xadhu” directed and performed by Manimala Das and two of her students from Dengrali Creators Hub. The play narrates the tale of Dengrali’s formation journey and the derivation of its name, ‘Dengrali’. Rehearsal of drama and the overall preparation for the festival starts from the fall season.
Dates for the 4th edition of Dengrali Tides Festival are set already. It will be held on 28 and 29 December 2024. Tickets will be available on spot only. It is highly advisable to at least visit this place once and experience the breathtaking beauty of eco-theatre performance.
The story of Dengrali needs more audiences, the beautiful place needs recognition and its people need much appreciation for their incredible and continuous effort in keeping an environment friendly man-made habitat that is a home for birds and nature.
Everyone is invited to savour the beautiful eco-theatre experience. To find oneself within the wide open sky and under the tall thin trees, to witness the chill breeze and spine-chilling drama amidst the tranquil greenery, far away from the bustling city life, to connect with one another, to coexist with nature, to seek pleasure in forest and enjoy art for a while: it’s a must adventure!
