STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Bihuwatis and Dhulias of the state made it to the Guinness Book of World Records through the largest-ever Bihu recital by over 11,000 participants from a single venue at Sarusajai Stadium here on the eve of Bohag Bihu today. Authorities from the Guinness Book of World Records will hand over the certificates tomorrow in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To cap it all, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) Dr Unnat P. Pandit handed over the certificate for the GI (Geographical Index) tag for the Assamese gamosa to the Chief Minister at the stadium today.
The Sarusajai Stadium literally turned into a sea of humanity today as people from various districts of the state came to be witnesses to the scripting of the world records.
With their accompaniments, the Bihuwatis started their performance at 5.30 p.m. and successfully scripted the world record in the presence of the officials of the Guinness Book of World Records. After that, the Dhulias started their performance with their accompaniments. They also successfully scripted the record amidst the rejoicing of the packed crowd that witnessed the bursting of crackers in the sky overhead. Thousands of onlookers from various districts of the state, including the Chief Minister and most of the Cabinet ministers of the state, stood witness to the two world records set today.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his hope that the two records in the making would put the rich cultural heritage of the state on the map of the world. "Every girl of Assam can dance Bihu. There was a question as to where we could get over 10,000 Bihuwatis. For Assam, Bihu is not a number. It’s something we all have in the core of our hearts. Days will come when we will be able to make more such records with more danseuses and dhulias," the Chief Minister said, and he thanked all the participants for their two-month-long practice for the mega event.
The Chief Minister also thanked his Cabinet colleagues, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, deputy commissioners, and other officials for the services they rendered to make the records a reality.
He said, "Tomorrow is also crucial for us as the Bihuwatis and the Dhulias will perform in front of the Prime Minister. Officials from the Guinness Book of World Records will hand over the certificates for the two records set today in front of the Prime Minister tomorrow. I appeal to the Bihuwatis and Dhulias to write something about their experience today on Instagram and Facebook so as to make the experience indelible forever in the public mind."
Speaking at the event, the Guinness World Record adjudicator said, "Absolutely fantastic. That was the most mesmerising show that I have seen to date."
On the GI tag, the Chief Minister said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already given an identity to the Assamese gamosa to the world by wearing it around his neck everywhere he goes." "With the GI-tag certificate received today, it is a moment of honour and pride for the people of Assam just before the Rongali Bihu celebrations, as I received the GI tag for our pride, the Asomiya Gamosa. As a result of this honour, our pride, Asomiya Gamosa, will receive legal recognition for Assam, which will protect its quality and distinctiveness. It will ensure the protection of the interests of our weavers".
Handing over the GI-tag certificate for gamosa, CGPDTM Dr. Unnat P. Pandit said, "We are privileged to give Assamese gamosa the GI tag. We are lucky to provide this certificate today. For every Assamese, Bihu is emotional. Assam has received a GI tag for Muga as well earlier. There are other articles from Assam on the probable list for GI tags. The list is under consideration."
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