Demolition of Historic Krishna Cinema Hall Marks Cultural Loss for Nagaon

Cultural Heritage Under Threat

Nagaon, Dec 7: The recent demolition of the historic Krishna cinema hall has dealt a severe blow to the cultural heritage of Nagaon. This iconic venue, which played a pivotal role in the Assamese cinema movement, was torn down last Friday, leaving the community in shock and sorrow.

Established by a group of cultural enthusiasts, the Krishna cinema hall was a prominent venue for both Assamese and Hindi films, showcasing numerous blockbuster hits throughout its history. It served as a cultural landmark, drawing audiences from various parts of central Assam.

Unfortunately, the cinema hall faced financial challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and following the recent passing of its owner, Swapan Kumar Bihani, the Bihani family sold the property to a socio-religious organization, which has now demolished the cherished building.

The destruction of the Krishna cinema hall has ignited widespread anger among locals who mourn the loss of Nagaon’s cultural identity. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as several other cinema halls in the area have closed down, with some being repurposed into commercial spaces. Currently, the Divyajyoti cinema hall remains one of the few operational venues in Nagaon.

The closure of the Krishna cinema hall signifies a profound loss for the cultural landscape of Nagaon, prompting many to reflect on the end of an era.