Guwahati: After taking Bihu and Jhumoir to national and international platforms, the Assam government is now set to spotlight Bagurumba, the traditional folk dance of the Bodo community.
More than 10,000 artistes will perform Bagurumba at a grand event in Guwahati on January 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the programme.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government is focusing on taking Bagurumba to a wider audience as part of Assam’s cultural journey to the global stage.
“After popularising Bihu and Jhumoir at major events, it is now time for Bagurumba to shine,” Sarma said.
The upcoming event follows a series of large-scale cultural showcases organized by the state government.
In February last year, over 8,000 youths from the Adivasi tea garden community performed Jhumoir at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati to mark 200 years of Assam Tea. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the programme and played the dhomsa, the traditional drum of the tea garden community.
The Jhumoir performance, described as the largest-ever of the dance form, also saw the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar , ambassadors and heads of mission from over 60 countries.
The event featured a laser show and fireworks and drew widespread national and international attention.
With the mega Bagurumba performance, the Assam government aims to further boost the global visibility of the state’s indigenous cultural traditions. Also aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the Bodo community on a grand scale.