10k artists to perform Bagurumba before PM in Guwahati on Jan 17

Guwahati: Around 10,000 artists from the Bodo community will perform their traditional folk dance, Bagurumba, in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Guwahati on Saturday during his two-day visit to the state. The event follows recent grand showcase of Bihu and Jhumoir dances, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Assam.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on his X handle, shared a video of the rehearsal and wrote: “Just 2 days to go for the grand Bagurumba Dwhou! The soul-stirring rhythms of Sifung, Kham and Serja will resonate as 10,000 artists perform together in the august presence of PM Narendra Modi. A rare cultural spectacle awaits: join us and witness history.”




Addressing a media conference at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati, cultural affairs minister Bimal Borah said several special initiatives have been undertaken in recent years to showcase the state’s diverse cultural heritage on the global stage. “As part of these efforts, successful events like Bihu Binandiya in 2023 and Jhumoir Binandini last year have been organised, which have not only highlighted our cultural assets to the world but also strengthened the bonds of brotherhood and harmony among us,” he said.

As part of a similar initiative, the minister said around 10,000 dancers from the Bodo community will perform Bagurumba in in front of the PM, adding that this initiative would have a positive impact on tourism. Borah further said this event will establish the vibrant culture of the Bodo community on the world map.

He said that, in response to the public interest in this Bagurumba festival, arrangements have been made for the final rehearsal on Friday, and approximately 14,000 entry passes have been distributed.

It is noteworthy that 25 experts provided guidance for the training of nearly 400 instructors at Shilpagram in Guwahati from Jan 4 to Jan 6, with the support of several organisations, including Bodo Harimu Afad, Bodo Sahitya Sabha and Dularai Bathou Gouthum. These instructors trained around 10,000 artists across 81 legislative constituencies in 23 districts of the state from Jan 8 to Jan 10. The artists were brought to Guwahati from various districts last Sunday and rehearsals were held at Sarusajai from Jan 12.