Residents of Sualkuchi in Assam’s Kamrup district are all set to welcome litterateurs and literary enthusiasts from across the world at the 75th biennial session of the state’s apex literary body, Asam Sahitya Sabha, which kicks off on Friday.

On Thursday, Sabha president Paramananda Rajbongshi inaugurated the main gate of the Dr Mamoni Raisam Goswami memorial book fair. On the other hand, litterateur Satyendra Narayan Goswami inaugurated the stage for the Poet Sushil Sarma Memorial Literary Festival, while scholar Thaneswar Sarma inaugurated the book fair souvenir, Granthajyoti.

Working president of the Sualkuchi conference reception committee Kamal Kumar Baishya said, “Apart from other literary activities scheduled for the five-day event, the Sualkuchi conference will help promote the Xattriya culture and the local silk industry. This time, people from across the world will experience the hospitality of Sualkuchi, considered the Manchester of the Northeast.”

Baishya hoped that despite protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, people from across the country will turn up to experience the great festival of literature. “We are expecting over 3,000 litterateurs, including local and foreigners, to attend the conference.”

According to Baishya, the Sabha has earmarked Rs 1.6 crore from its budget to organise the event smoothly.

Baishya stressed the conference will be a plastic and tobacco-free event.

Hundreds of trees have been painted in and around the venue to showcase the Xattriya culture and the tradition of the local silk industry.

Rajbongshi said, “We have tried our best to present a creative atmosphere to the visitors by painting the trees, apart from decorating the entrance, stages and other pavilions. We have invited all the leaders of ethnic organisations to be a part of this conference.”

The Sabha president said governor Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will also attend the conference.

Newly elected Sabha president Kuladhar Saikia will take over for a two-year term in the biennial session.