Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Bodo Culture at Bagurumba Dance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a significant cultural event in Assam on January 17, 2024, showcasing the historic Bagurumba dance. The performance took place at the Arjun Bhogeshwar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, where over 10,000 artistes from 81 assembly constituencies participated. The event was organized by the Assam government to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community.

Alongside Prime Minister Modi, dignitaries including Assam’s Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma graced the occasion. The event, titled “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026,” aimed to elevate the global recognition of the dance, which has been a symbol of pride for the Bodo people.

In a ceremonial tribute, Prime Minister Modi honored Jyoti Prasad Agarwala as part of the celebrations for Silpi Divas. During the event, he toured the stadium in a special vehicle, warmly greeting both the performers and the audience.

Celebrating Bodo Heritage

Chief Minister Dr. Sarma expressed deep respect for influential figures in Bodo history, including Guru Kalicharan Brahma and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. He noted that the Bagurumba dance gained national prominence after a notable performance in New Delhi on January 26, 1957. Dr. Sarma emphasized that the dance represents the culture and traditions of the Bodo community, stating, “Through the performance of more than 10,000 Bodo artistes before the Prime Minister, Bagurumba has taken a strong step towards global recognition and appreciation.”

The Chief Minister highlighted that no previous performance of such scale had been witnessed in Guwahati. He remarked, “Today the Bagurumba Dwhou will unite people across Assam and create a Bor Axom and Mahan Bharat,” indicating the event’s potential to foster unity in diversity.

Dr. Sarma also recalled previous large-scale cultural events held at the same venue, such as the “Bihu Binandiya” program in April 2023, which featured over 11,000 youth. He described the Bagurumba performance as a defining symbol of Bodo culture, underscoring its significance in the state’s cultural landscape.

Government Initiatives and Future Aspirations

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership, particularly in relation to the peace accords that have contributed to the stability and development of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). He mentioned the importance of governmental initiatives aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Bodo Kacharis living outside the BTR through the establishment of the Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council.

Dr. Sarma noted the recognition of the Bodo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and its status as an associate official language in Assam as crucial steps in honoring the Bodo community’s legacy. He stated that the Prime Minister’s presence at the event significantly elevated the dignity and pride of the Bodo community.

On behalf of the people of Assam, Dr. Sarma extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for attending the celebration, which he believes will further strengthen the spirit of harmony in the region and inspire the realization of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma‘s ideals.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, and Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council Hagrama Mohilary, among other state ministers and dignitaries.

The Bagurumba dance event not only celebrated the cultural richness of the Bodo community but also marked a significant moment in Assam’s cultural history, showcasing the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its diverse heritage.