GUWAHATI: The three-day 4th Folk Tea Festival will roll out at the serene village of Pabhoi in Biswanath Chariali, Assam, from November 29 to December 1.
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Nestled inside the lush green Hatipoti tea garden and overlooked by the majestic white peaks of the Eastern Himalayan mountains, the festival promises to be a blend of cultural performances, tea appreciation, and adventure, making it a must-visit event for locals and tourists alike.
At the heart of the festival lies a deep-rooted ambition to provide a soft alternative narrative for Assam's tea industry, which has crossed 200 years. The festival seeks to take the industry beyond the conventional focus on profit and loss and the significant challenges posed by climate change and market fluctuations by giving a new narrative.
As the industry grapples with its future, the Folk Tea Festival is an effort to infuse new life and perspective into Assam's tea heritage, fostering resilience and innovative ideas and business around tea, according to a statement.
The festival kicks off with a series of engaging activities designed to immerse attendees in the rich cultural tapestry of Assam.
The Tea Round Table will be held in collaboration with the Biswanath College which would offer an insightful platform for tea stakeholders to discuss about the future of Assam tea.
This will be followed by traditional Jhumur and Bhaona performances, showcasing the region's vibrant dance and theatrical heritage before ending the day with a folk performance.
Day 2 will have a mix of adventure and celebration starting with a car rally across mountain rivers and the scenic hills of Arunachal Pradesh, meandering through lush tea gardens; the wintry evening will be lit up by Akash Banti (sky lanterns) besides live music from host of big names of Assam.
The final day, December 1, will be dedicated to the art of tea making and more cultural festivities. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about how tea moves from the garden to the cup from experts, gaining hands-on experience in this cherished tradition.