The Mega Bihu Programme Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended in Assam’s capital Guwahati was nothing short of spectacular in terms of its sheer scale and grandeur. Held at Sarusajai stadium, PM in a video can be seen along with the State Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma enjoying the performances and waving to the people. The grand Bihu celebrations in PM Modi’s presence spotlight the importance of the northeast in the rise of New India.
I will always remember yesterday’s Assam visit. Got to join various programmes including the grand Bihu celebrations. Here are the highlights… pic.twitter.com/HI9NuJUGga
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 15, 2023
Yet, there is more to the show than mere display of Indian cultural diversity. It reflects how despite distance and remoteness, different parts of the country are united, especially the north-east region. Hinting at this aspect, the PM addressing the people said: “We work with the spirit of being your servants. That is why the Northeast does not seem far to us and the feeling of belongingness remains regardless of where we are.”
Great vibrancy at the Bihu programme! pic.twitter.com/07TvDycegn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2023
Hailing the celebration and describing it as a reflection of Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat, PM said the Bohag Bihu is a festival of heart and soul for Assamese. He described it as the perfect symbol of harmony between man and nature.
Talking about development in the State he said “Today, people in the Northeast have come forward and taken ownership of their development. They are moving forward with the mantra of development.”
বিহুৰ এই বিশেষ দিনটোত অসমৰ জনসাধাৰণৰ মাজত উপস্থিত থাকিবলৈ পাই অত্যন্ত সুখী অনুভৱ কৰিছো ৷ বিহু কাৰ্যসূচীৰ কেইটামান দৃশ্য। pic.twitter.com/TcPfmB0Jy5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2023
The PM went on to commend Assam for its progress. He observed: “I remember that when I came here during the Assembly election, I had said that the day is not far when people will say ‘A for Assam.’ Today, Assam is truly becoming an A1 state.”
The colours of Bihu! Glimpses from a memorable programme in Guwahati. pic.twitter.com/z8JZOoNwvc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2023
The Mega Bihu show also received attention for the record-making feat of the “largest Bihu dance and largest dhol drum ensemble”. This feat was achieved on April 13 when 11,304 folk dancers and 2,548 drummers performed in the stadium. In PM’s presence, the CM received the certificate from the Guinness World Records team.
#WATCH | Guwahati: In the presence of PM Narendra Modi, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma receives the certificate from the Guinness World Records team for the record-making feat of "largest Bihu dance and largest dhol drum ensemble".
The feat was achieved by 11304 folk dancers and… pic.twitter.com/rtjOYbUPHq
— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2023
Bihu is one of the important festivals of Assam. Among the three Bihu celebrations, the one observed in April is Rongali or Bohag Bihu which celebrates spring.