Assam gears up for historic Bagurumba dance as 10000 artistes rehearse for world record

Preparations are in full swing for what is being hailed as one of Assam’s most ambitious cultural spectacles, as nearly 10,000 artistes prepare to perform the traditional Bodo dance, Bagurumba, at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati on January 17. A three-day-long rehearsal programme is currently underway across the state to ensure flawless coordination for the historic mass performance, which aims to set a world record.

Artistes from various districts have been training rigorously, with large-scale rehearsals being conducted at multiple locations. From the Boko–Chhaygaon and Palashbari Assembly constituencies alone, as many as 545 dancers are set to participate. At venues such as Gandhi Maidan in Boko, performers can be seen practicing in unison, fine-tuning the graceful and rhythmic movements that define Bagurumba, often referred to as the “butterfly dance” of the Bodo community.

The mega event is poised to become a landmark moment in Assam’s cultural calendar, symbolising unity, discipline and collective pride. By bringing together dancers from diverse regions, the programme seeks to showcase the richness and continuity of Bodo traditions on an unprecedented scale.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the programme, lending national prominence to the cultural showcase. Organisers believe the mass Bagurumba performance will not only secure a place in global record books but also reinforce the cultural identity and heritage of the Bodo people through their centuries-old dance form.