Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister on Tuesday said 11,500 dancers will perform Bihu on April 14 at Sarusajai stadium in an attempt to set a world record for the largest Bihu performance.
Sarma said that the event will feature 11,500 dancers and dholis performing the traditional folk dance of Assam in a single frame, with the goal of registering the achievement in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The CM said that the preparations for the event have already started.
“Our goal is to bring Bihu to the world stage and popularise it,” said Sarma, adding that choreographers would assist the dancers, with training commencing on February 27 at Kalakshetra.
Sarma said that the event is expected to draw national and international attention, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend the occasion.
Sarma said that all Chief Ministers and Governors, as well as G20 and Southeast Asian Ambassadors, would be invited.
Additionally, the day’s festivities would include the inauguration of the Ranghar and the Guwahati AIIMS, as well as the Palasbari and Sualkuchi bridges.
Sarma noted that a committee had been formed to plan the programme and that a video of the performance would be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Master trainers from the Sankardev Kalakshetra would provide instruction, with Bihu dancers from across the state participating in the training sessions.
Of the 11,500 participants, 70 per cent will be girls and 30 per cent boys, with dancers aged between 15 and 35 invited to register on a dedicated portal to facilitate individual recognition by Guinness World Records.
Participants will receive transportation and costume allowances, with the government providing Rs 300 for transportation and Rs 3000 for costumes.
Guidelines have been established to ensure a smooth and efficient process, with district Bihu committees taking responsibility for selecting and training participants. Dress rehearsals will be held from April 9–12, with the performance taking place on April 14.
To further promote Bihu, the government has prohibited the sale of power loom gamosas, mekhela sadors, and power loom aronais from March 1 to April 14. The ban is part of a larger effort to raise awareness of the traditional weaving industry and discourage the use of machine-made products.
The CM also announced that beginning next year, a seven-day Bihu festival would be held annually in Sarusajai stadium, featuring traditional Assamese culture and performances.
“Our focus this year is to popularise Bihu through advertisements and attract a large number of tourists,” Sarma said.
“From next year, we will organise seven-day Bihu events in the Assamese tradition, ” he added.
