Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam

Introduction

• • The Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam is a government department of the Government of Assam.

  • It works under the Department of Cultural Affairs.

  • Its main responsibility is to preserve, promote, and develop the cultural heritage of Assam.

  • The Directorate supports various forms of culture such as:

    • Music

    • Dance

    • Theatre

    • Folk traditions

    • Literature

Location and Administrative Setup of Directorate of Cultural Affairs

• • The Directorate is headquartered in Guwahati, Assam.

  • It functions through:

    • District-level cultural offices

    • Cultural institutions and academies supported by the state

  • The Director of Cultural Affairs heads the department and implements government policies related to culture.

Objectives of the Directorate

The main objectives are:

a. Preservation of Culture

• • To protect Assam’s traditional art forms, folk practices, and heritage.

  • To document endangered cultural traditions and performances.

b. Promotion of Cultural Activities

• • To encourage artists and cultural groups by:

    • Organising festivals and cultural programmes

    • Providing financial support and grants

c. Development of Artists

• • To support:

    • Folk artists

    • Traditional performers

    • Young cultural talents

  • Helps artists continue their art as a livelihood.

Major Functions  of Directorate of Cultural Affairs

a. Organising Cultural Events

• • Organises state-level and district-level:

    • Cultural festivals

    • Dance and music programmes

    • Theatre events

  • Plays a major role in celebrations like:

    • Bihu festivals

    • Cultural days and anniversaries

b. Financial Assistance and Schemes

• • Provides:

    • Grants to cultural institutions

    • Pensions and assistance to senior artists

  • Supports folk artists who preserve traditional art forms.

c. Preservation of Heritage

• • Works to protect:

    • Intangible cultural heritage (songs, dances, oral traditions)

    • Traditional customs and practices

Institutions Under the Directorate

The Directorate supports and coordinates with several cultural bodies, such as:

• • Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society

  • Assam Sangeet Natak Akademi

  • Assam Sahitya Sabha (in coordination)

  • Mobile Theatre groups (financial and institutional support)

Role in Promoting Performing Arts

• • Encourages classical and folk arts such as:

    • Sattriya dance

    • Bihu dance

    • Folk music and drama

  • Helps in:

    • Organising competitions

    • Talent search programmes

Social and Cultural Importance of Directorate of Cultural Affairs

• • Strengthens Assam’s cultural identity.

  • Promotes unity by celebrating the diversity of:

    • Ethnic groups

    • Tribes

    • Languages

  • Acts as a link between:

    • Traditional artists

    • Modern cultural institutions

Contemporary Relevance

• • In the modern era, the Directorate:

    • Protects culture from disappearing due to urbanisation and modernisation

    • Promotes digital documentation of cultural heritage

  • Plays an important role in cultural tourism development.