Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday evening would inaugurate the Ganashilpa Khagen Mahanta Udyan (Park) at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.
The park would be inaugurated in the memory of the late eminent Assamese singer on the occasion of his 77th birth anniversary.
A cultural function would also be held at Madhabdev International Auditorium in the premises of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra later in the evening.
Popular Assamese singers would remember the late singer by singing his songs in the cultural function.
Assam cultural affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley will grace the occasion as the chief guest.
Assam CM Sonowal tweeted, “Remembering ‘Ganashilpi’ Khagen Mahanta on his birth anniversary. His songs gave wings to Assamese folk stories and remain in our hearts forever.”
Popularly known as the ‘King of Bihu’, his evergreen songs still continue to enthral the listeners.
Some of his evergreen songs include Koi Jua Dakuwal, Khuj Kiyo Kabal, Ejar Phoola Dekhi, Tejore Kamalapati, O Rahimala, Barakhunar Botorot, O Phool Rmak, Chokla Tenati Akoloi etc.
His first gramophone recorded song was broadcasted from All India Radio (AIR) Guwahati in 1961.
Khagen Mahanta is also the recipient of many prestigious awards like Film Craft Award (1988), Sangeet Natak Akademi (1992), Shrimoy Award (1994), Sangeetacharya (1999).