In a notable cultural endeavor, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that over 10,000 young performers will present the traditional Bodo dance, Bagurumba, in Guwahati this October. This initiative seeks to promote the dance, an essential element of the Bodo community’s cultural legacy, to a global audience. This announcement follows the successful Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, where more than 7,500 artists from tea gardens performed the Jhumoir dance at Sarusajai Stadium, an event that received widespread acclaim, including recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bagurumba, often called the ‘Dance of the Butterflies,’ is traditionally performed by Bodo women during the Bwisagu festival.
The dance features graceful movements that mimic the fluttering of butterflies, symbolizing a deep connection with nature. Dancers typically wear traditional attire, such as Dakhona and Jwmgra, which enhances the cultural richness of the performance. This forthcoming event builds on Assam’s recent accomplishment of setting a Guinness World Record on April 14, 2023, for the largest Bihu dance performance, which included 11,304 dancers and drummers. The planned presentation of Bagurumba underscores the Assam government’s dedication to celebrating and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the vibrant traditions of the Bodo community.
