The Department of Culture was among the most visible departments in the last four years of the present Government. It managed to touch the lives of possibly everyone living in the State and beyond its boundaries. Driven by the vision of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a concerted effort to preserve, promote, and celebrate Assam’s rich heritage has propelled the State onto the national and global stage.
Legacy of Lachit
Upon assuming office, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma spearheaded a yearlong celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of the legendary General Bir Lachit Borphukan, culminating in a grand event in New Delhi. Building on this momentum, on August 12, 2024, the Government of Assam signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati to produce a 52-episode television series on the life of Lachit Borphukan.
The Chief Minister requested Prasar Bharati to be sensitive in the portrayal of Lachit’s life while emphasizing the importance of accuracy in representing Assam’s history and culture. “The documentary should be made in a way that honours the legacy of Lachit Borphukan without causing any harm to the sentiments of the people of Assam,” he said while attending the MoU signing event.
These series will delve into the life and exploits of one of Assam’s greatest sons shedding light on his strategic brilliance, unwavering courage, and enduring legacy. By documenting his extraordinary journey, the series endeavours to celebrate and commemorate the invaluable contributions of Lachit while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Assam’s rich historical heritage. This collaborative effort aims to inspire future generations and ensure that the legacy of the legendary general continues to resonate across the ages.
Promoting Traditions
Taking Assam’s diverse culture to the global stage, the largest Bihu dance performance at a single venue was organised on April 13, 2023 where 11,369 Bihuwas and Bihuwatis participated, setting a new Guinness Record. In conjunction with 200 years of Assam Tea, Jhumoir Binandini was organised on February 24, 2025 which witnessed 8,000 artistes performing the traditional dance in unison. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while attending the programme paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of the tea-tribe and Adivasi communities, who have been instrumental in shaping the State’s tea legacy and cultural identity.
Mr Modi, who was present on both these occasions was mesmerised not only by the Bihu spectacle but also by the Jhumoir performance
Post the success of two Bihu and Jhumoir, plans are afoot to showcase the traditional Bodo dance form Bagurumba at the world stage. “This October, more than 10,000 youths will perform Bagurumba together in Guwahati to popularise this exquisite Bodo dance form,” the Chief Minister said.
UNESCO Spotlight
Another remarkable day for the whole state of Assam was July 26, 2024 when Charaideo Moidams became the UNESCO 43rd World Heritage Site in India and the first World Heritage Site in the Cultural Category from North-East India.
Support to Indigenous Communities
The Government has also come forward and extended financial assistance to apex indigenous, tribal organizations and places of worship. A total of ₹70.90 cr has been released to promote, protect and preserve Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture. A One Time Special Grant of ₹25 cr each to the Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi and Chutia communities have also been allotted.
In the last four years, financial assistance of ₹1,50,000/- each has been extended to Bihu Celebration Committees across the State every year to support the conduct of Rongali Bihu festivities. A total of 7,932 Durga Puja Udjapan Committees across Assam were granted financial assistance of ₹10,000/- each during the financial year 2024–25. Financial assistance of ₹25,000/- each to 2,063 Raas Committees across the State was also offered during FY 2024–25 to support traditional Raas celebrations.
Silpi Samman
Honouring the contributions of the artiste community, the State Government has extended the artiste pension of ₹8,000 to 100 artiste and family pension of ₹4,000 to 51 artistes’ family. Barxik Silpi Samman of ₹50,000 were extended to 286 artistes and one-time special financial assistance to family members of 34 deceased artistes was also undertaken.
