Guwahati: The Assam government has revealed the recipients of the 2026 Silpi Awards, with singer Late Samar Hazarika and Dhanada Pathak among those recognised.
These awards, given by the Cultural Affairs Department, celebrate significant achievements in Assamese music, literature, theatre, film, journalism, and other art forms.
The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah during a press briefing ahead of Silpi Divas on January 17.
The minister also shared details of pension beneficiaries and recipients of other state-level cultural honours.
Several additional awards for 2025 were also announced. Writer Moneswar Deori will receive the Krishna Kanta Handique Memorial Award, while journalist Dr Amalendu Chakraborty has been selected for the Gopinath Bordoloi Award for contributions to national integration.
Theatre artist Karuna Deka will receive the Natasurya Phani Sarma Award, filmmaker Arup Manna the Bhabendra Nath Saikia Award, and Abani Ranjan Pathak the Biju Phukan Award.
The state government confirmed financial support for artists under welfare schemes. A total of 83 artists and three differently-abled recipients will receive the regular Silpi Pension, while 170 people will be awarded the Barxik Silpi Sanman.
In addition, 26 artists will get a Regular Family Pension, and five families of deceased artists will receive one-time financial aid. These steps highlight the government’s commitment to supporting Assam’s artistic community.
Silpi Divas, observed every year on January 17, honours the memory of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Assam’s renowned poet, playwright, filmmaker, composer, and freedom fighter. The day recognises the state’s artistic heritage and creative achievements.
The recognition of Late Samar Hazarika carries special significance. He was the younger brother of Dr Bhupen Hazarika and began his musical journey in the 1960s.
He released his first album in 1968 and later contributed songs to popular Assamese films, including Uppath, Bowari, and Prabhati Pakhir Gaan. His work continues to be remembered as an important part of Assam’s cultural legacy.