Assam's Bihu establishes world record

Two new Guinness World Records were created at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, on April 13, as about 11,000 drummers and folk dancers performed the traditional Bihu dance in an effort to commemorate Bohag/Rongali Bihu.

The first-of-its-kind performance set two records in the presence of State Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sharma and Guinness World Records Officials. The first record was for the largest Bihu dance performance and the second for the largest performance by traditional folk musicians employing instruments including the "dhol," "pepa," "gogona," and "toka."

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi appreciated the performers on achieving the historic feat and presented the Guinness record certificates to Sarma on April 14 during his one-day visit to Guwahati.‌‌

“Our festivals are not just cultural extravaganza but are a medium to unite everyone and inspiration to move forward together”, the Prime Minister said. “Rongali Bihu is a festival of heart and soul for the people of Assam. Removes differences and is a symbol of perfect harmony between humans and nature.”

Organized by the Assam government with the intention of highlighting the state's rich cultural history, the performance featured artists from across the 31 districts of the state.

Assam minister Ashok Singhal tweeted, "Our Bihu scripts Guinness World Record history. Elated & awestruck at the epic Bihu Dance performance at Sarusajai Stadium, in the august presence of CM Dr. @himantabiswa."

Bihu dance is a traditional folk-dance performed especially during Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, the spring festival of Assam that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. The previous record for the largest traditional dance was for 7,700 participants in China set in 2015.