Guwahati is set to witness a historic cultural spectacle as over 8,500 dancers from Assam’s tea tribe community perform the Jhumur dance at Sarusajai Stadium on February 24, 2024. The event, titled ‘Jhumoir Binandini’, will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with dignitaries including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 60 countries.
The event will be a grand celebration of Assam’s rich cultural heritage, with the tea tribe community playing a central role. The dance performance will not only showcase the traditional Jhumur dance but also highlight the vibrant cultural identity of Assam’s indigenous tribes.
PM Modi’s Visit and Government Support
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially announced the event on Saturday, emphasizing its global significance. He revealed that, for the first time, ambassadors from 60 countries will be in Assam to witness the Jhumur dance, showcasing the state’s culture on an international platform.
CM Sarma also announced cash incentives for all participants of the ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ programme, recognizing their contribution to preserving Assam’s traditional art forms.
PM Modi himself expressed his excitement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: “On the 24th evening, I will be at the Jhumoir Binandini programme in the vibrant city of Guwahati. This programme celebrates the culture of Assam, especially the tea tribes and other tribal communities of the state.”
PM Modi’s itinerary also includes participation in the Advantage Assam Investment Summit on February 25, an event aimed at attracting business investments to the state and accelerating its economic development.
The Cultural Importance of Jhumur Dance
Jhumur dance is a centuries-old folk dance deeply embedded in the traditions of Assam’s tea tribe communities. The dance is performed primarily by young girls, who move in synchronized formations, their hands interlocked at the waist, while male performers play traditional instruments such as:
- Dhol (drums)
- Madal (hand drums)
- Nagara (large kettledrums)
- Bansuri (flute)
Traditionally performed in open fields, Jhumur dance is a reflection of both the joys and hardships faced by tea garden workers, particularly during the harvest season. The dance is not just an artistic expression but also a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural identity for Assam’s tea tribe community.
Global Attention and Cultural Diplomacy
The participation of 60 foreign ambassadors underscores the international significance of this event. With the presence of global diplomats, the ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ programme serves as a cultural diplomacy initiative, promoting Assam’s heritage to the world.
The event will help in:
- Boosting Assam’s cultural tourism by showcasing its unique traditions.
- Creating global awareness about the tea tribe community and their contributions to India’s tea industry.
- Strengthening economic and cultural ties between Assam and international partners.
The Indian government has been making efforts to promote regional cultures, and this event aligns with initiatives such as Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, which fosters cultural exchange and unity among Indian states.
Economic Impact and Advantage Assam Summit
Apart from celebrating cultural heritage, PM Modi’s visit to Assam will also focus on economic development. On February 25, he will participate in the Advantage Assam Investment Summit, which aims to:
- Attract investments in key sectors like tourism, tea, and infrastructure.
- Showcase Assam’s economic potential to national and international investors.
- Strengthen industrial growth and create employment opportunities in the state.
The ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ programme, followed by the investment summit, highlights the Assam government’s dual approach of cultural promotion and economic development.
The ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ programme is set to be a historic moment for Assam, blending cultural celebration with international recognition. With PM Modi’s presence, along with foreign ambassadors, this event will not only uplift the Jhumur dance tradition but also position Assam as a global cultural and investment hub.
As the state prepares for this grand event, it marks a new chapter in Assam’s cultural and economic journey, ensuring that the rich heritage of the tea tribe community continues to receive the recognition it deserves.
