Kalika Prasad's 53 birth anniversary celebrated as Lok Sanghati Diwas by District Administration

The 53rd Birth Anniversary of Kalika Prasad Bhattacharjee was celebrated as “Lok Sanghati Diwas” on Sunday with the initiative of the state government. The birthday of this folk artist and researcher was observed by the Janasanyog Department by playing his songs on the permanent loudspeakers of the department from 9 in the morning. Later the birth anniversary was observed at the office of the Deputy Commissioner Cachar by paying floral tributes from the office and various cultural organisations.

On behalf of the District Administration, ADC Dipak Jidung paid floral tributes to the late folk artist from Barak along with revenue officer, Niranjan Dhar, at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Cachar. Later throughout the day, different cultural organisations also paid floral tributes to the late folk artist from Silchar. Kalika Prasad Bhattacharjee was the founder of the folk song group “Dohar”, which has a big role in popularising Sylheti folk music and Bengali folk music at large.

A car accident on March 7, 2017, took his life, while he and Dohar were on their way to Burdwan to perform at an event. He was 47 years old at the time of his death. Kalika Prasad is known for his research on folk music and literature on the Bengal, Barak and Sylhet regions. He has popularised the folk music of this region in a way no one could.

Dohar was co-founded by Kalika Prasad Bhattacharjee and Rajib Das back in 1999. Now Dohar is being led by Rajib Das and this music ensemble is continuing its musical journey following the directions of Kalika Prasad. Dohar started from Barak Valley and today has global fame and a fan base among the Bengali communities across the world.