Assam's Bihu Makes A Mark On Global Stage With Guinness Record

Assam Bihu Dance: The massive attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records involved over 11,000 dancers and drummers.

Assam's traditional dance, the Bihu, has entered the Guinness Book Of World Records. The largest Bihu performance at a single venue was staged at Sarusajai stadium on April 13. (Representative image: PTI)

With "the largest Bihu performance at a single venue", Assam made history and cemented its place in the record books. The massive attempt to break the Guinness World Record involved over 11,000 nasonis (dancers) and dhuliyas (drummers). The record was set around 5.45 pm on April 13 at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was originally expected to attend the record-breaking event, but it was rescheduled to April 13. The mega Bihu performance's goal was to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest dance performance at a single venue.

Our Bihu scripts Guinness World Record history.

Elated & awestruck at the epic Bihu Dance performance at Sarusajai Stadium, in the august presence of Hon’ CM Dr. @himantabiswa.

The mesmerising extravaganza by 11,304 young & enthusiastic Bihu dancers & drummers has etched… pic.twitter.com/Cj1Z2YOqZF

— Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) April 13, 2023

For a long time, performers had been practising for this performance, with auditions taking place across the state to bring in the finest of the best for this huge event.

Earlier, CM Sarma expressed optimism that the event will help to put Assam and its cultural history on the map throughout the world.

The chief minister also stated that the state government has set a goal for two world records: the largest Bihu dance in a single frame and the largest (dhuliya) drummer group. On the occasion, the certificate for the GI tag-recognised 'Assamese gamusa (a type of towel)' was also presented to the state government.

 

Bihu dancers attempt a Guinness record at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.

Earlier in March, the Guinness World Records had recognized a compilation of 42.9 lakh essays on Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan as the largest online photo album of handwritten notes.  

Guinness World Records adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar handed over the official letter of recognition to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Janata Bhawan in Guwahati. The certificate for the mega attempt will be handed over later, sources told ABP.

Entries for the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame were being uploaded in a portal in between October and November 2022. The process began during the conclusion of the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of the great Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan, in the national capital.