Financial Aid for Bihu Dancers and Drummers
Assam’s cultural heritage is set to be celebrated in a big way as the state government has announced financial aid to Bihu dancers and drummers participating in the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Bihu dance performance in a single frame. Each participant, including the master trainers and reserve dancers, will receive a grant of Rs 25,000 for their contribution towards the event.
The state government has set a target for two world record attempts – the largest Bihu dance in a single frame and the largest Dhuliya drummer ensemble. The Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Bihu dance performance was initially scheduled for April 14th but has been preponed to April 13th. The certification of the record will take place on April 14th in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has called on the citizens of Assam and Guwahati city to witness the mega Bihu dance on Thursday and participate in this historic event. This initiative of the state government to provide financial assistance to the participants is a commendable move that recognizes their contribution to the event and serves as an incentive for them to continue practicing and promoting their cultural art form.
The decision to provide a grant of Rs. 25,000 to the participants in the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Bihu dance performance in a single frame is a positive step towards promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam. The event is expected to showcase the state’s vibrant cultural identity to the world and create a sense of pride and belonging among the people of Assam.
The event has garnered significant attention, with participants from across the state and the country taking part. Many Bihu dancers and drummers expressed their gratitude towards the state government for recognizing their contribution and providing financial assistance.
The Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, the biggest Bihu festival in Assam, is set to take place from April 11-13. This festival marks the onset of the Assamese New Year and the coming of spring. It is celebrated by the indigenous ethnic groups of Assam and other parts of Northeastern India, showcasing the tribal culture of the region to the world. The festival is of mostly aboriginal origin comprising Tibeto-Burman and Tai elements. It usually falls in the second week of April, historically signifying the time of harvest.
How to watch this Grand event live?
The Sarusajai Stadium will be made available from April 11-13 for anyone who wishes to come and watch the performers practice live. According to the Chief Minister, they will be participating in the dress rehearsals which will be held in the Sarusajai Stadium from 9 AM till the evening. Anybody who wishes to watch the performers live can visit the Sarusajai Stadium and witness the performance from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
The Chief Minister has also announced that passes for the ‘Mega Bihu Dance’ programme will be issued at Kalakshetra from April 11 to April 13. For people interested in watching the actual programme on April 14, passes will be made available at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.
On April 14, over 11,000 artists from all districts of Assam will perform together at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium and attempt to set a record in the Guinness Book of World Records in the folk-dance category. This grand celebration of Assam’s rich cultural heritage and traditional dance form will be open for locals to experience and enjoy, along with the rest of the world.
