Now, government to popularize Xat Bihu in Assam

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Bihu dance has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Now the State Government will take on the task of popularizing the Xat Bihus (the first seven days of the Bohag Bihu) among the new generation.

The State Government feels that contemporary people in the state have also started to forget what the Xat Bihu is, let alone the new generation. The Bohag Bihu, or Rongali Bihu, has seven different activities on the very first seven days of Bohag, and each of the seven activities bears the name of a Bihu. They have been known as Goru Bihu, Manuah Bihu, Goasain Bihu, Tator Bihu, Nangolor Bihu, Senehi Bihu, and Sera Bihu since time immemorial. In the course of time, the different Xat Bihus have lost their significance. So much so that many people in the state do not even know the seven different names of the Bohag Bihu, let alone the young generation. With the Bihu dance entering the global stage, the Department of Cultural Affairs of the State Government has sought suggestions and opinions from Bihu experts on ways to popularize the Xat Bihu.

Speaking to The Sentinel, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah said, “On April 13, 2023, the Bihu dance made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. On April 14, 2023, representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records handed over the certificate of the record to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apart from popularizing Bihu dance on these two days, the recitals also popularized Bihu dance costumes, Assamese jewellery, and folk instruments, including dhol, pepa, gogona, etc. Now we want to popularize the Xat Bihu. This will let our young generation know our culture, besides helping the Tourism sector woo tourists to the state’s destinations. This will help strengthen the state’s economy. So, the experts should give us their opinions to this effect.”

Borah further said, “Each of the performers of the April 13 and 14 Bihu recitals will get an additional amount of Rs 25,000 on June 30 and July 1 in their respective districts. The Chief Minister and other ministers will take part in such programmes district-wise. The performers will also get a skill certificate each. The government will always remain grateful to the performers, as they are the ones who actually booked the slot in the record book.”

As many as 11,339 artistes took part in the mega-Bihu recital.

The State Government will also try to include the Bihu in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. The minister chaired a meeting at the State Secretariat to this effect today.

Also Read:  Assam: Guinness Record Bihu Performers to Get Rs 25,000 Each on June 28-29

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