Assam made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest performance of the ‘Bihu‘ dance and ‘dhol’ drumming in a single venue. Over 11,000 dancers and drummers participated in the event, which took place at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati as part of the state government’s effort to promote Assam’s cultural heritage on a global scale.
The performers included singers and musicians playing traditional Assamese instruments like Taal, Dhol, Gogona, Pepa, Toka, and Xutuli. To ensure the best possible outcome, practice sessions were held across the state to select the most talented dancers and drummers.
All the participants, including the master trainers and dancers, will receive a grant of INR 25,000 for their contribution to this historic event. Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had expressed his desire to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Bihu dance performance in a single venue.
Speaking after the event, Sarma said, “We have set two new world records for the largest Bihu dance and Bihu dhol performance in a single venue with 11,304 dancers and drummers. This achievement puts Assam on the world map and highlights our rich cultural heritage.”
In addition, the Chief Minister of Assam was presented with a Geographical Indication (GI) registration certificate for the traditional Assamese scarf, known as Gamosa, by the Controller General of Patent, Designs and Trademarks and Registrar of the GI Registry, Unnat P Pandit. The Gamosa was awarded the GI tag by the central government in December 2022, and this certificate confirms its official registration.
This recognition is a significant achievement for Assam, as the GI tag confirms that the Gamosa is a unique and authentic product that is associated with the region’s cultural heritage. It also ensures that the Gamosa can only be produced in Assam, using traditional methods and materials, which helps to protect the local economy and promote sustainable development.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for this recognition and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Assam’s traditional arts and crafts. He also highlighted the need to create more awareness about the GI tag and its significance among local communities and businesses, to encourage the production and sale of genuine GI products from the region.