Syllabus: GS-I & V:  Culture 

Why in the news?

On January 17, 2026, over 10,000 Bodo dancers performed the Bagurumba dance in Guwahati under a State-led initiative, attempting to set a Guinness world record, marking a historic cultural moment that symbolised Assam’s journey from ethnic conflict to inclusive peace.

Culture as a living force in Assam

• Assam’s social fabric is shaped by multiple ethnic identities, languages and traditions.
• Culture here is not ornamental; it has often been a tool of resistance, assertion and reconciliation.
• The mega Bagurumba performance at Guwahati’s Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex reflected this deeper role of culture in public life.

Bagurumba

• Bagurumba is central to Bodo cultural identity and is often called the “butterfly dance” due to its gentle, flowing movements.
• Traditionally performed by women during Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year festival, it symbolises harmony with nature, renewal and collective joy.
• The dance uses indigenous instruments such as sifung (flute), kham (drum), serja, and jotha, reflecting the eco-centric worldview of the community.

From insurgency to cultural confidence

• For decades, parts of Assam, especially the Bodoland region, were affected by ethnic insurgency and political unrest.
• The 2020 Bodo Peace Accord marked a political turning point, but peace required social acceptance and cultural dignity.
• Between 2021 and 2025, 11 armed groups laid down arms, and over 11,000 former militants were rehabilitated through structured surrender-and-reintegration policies.
• The withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from most districts indicates improved internal security.

Role of the State

• Under Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam adopted a strategy of unity through cultural inclusion.
• Earlier mega-events such as the record-setting Bihu dance (2023) and Jhumoir Binandini (2025) laid the groundwork.
• Bagurumba Dwhou carried this philosophy forward by placing Bodo heritage at the heart of Assam’s shared identity.

About Bagurumba Dwhou

• Bagurumba Dwhou was organised by Bodoland Cultural Centre, Assam cultural bodies and around 400 master trainers.
• Each performer was trained through a structured, decentralised cultural network, ensuring authenticity while scaling up.
• A key highlight of Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 was the participation of over 10,000 Bodo artists, who performed the dance in a single, synchronised presentation. 
• Participants have come from 81 Legislative Assembly Constituencies across 23 districts of Assam, underlining the scale and inclusivity of the event. 
• Performers from Nepal, West Bengal and Nagaland also participated. 
• The event represents a rare and long-awaited opportunity to present Bodo culture at an unprecedented scale.

National recognition and symbolism

• The presence of the PM at the event elevated it from a State celebration to a national statement.
• It reflected the Centre’s support for peace, development and cultural integration in the Northeast.
• Organising the event in Guwahati, rather than only within the Bodoland region, sent a clear message: Bodo identity is integral to Assam, not peripheral.

Institutions that keep culture alive

• Organisations like Sifung Harimu Afad have played a crucial role in reviving and standardising Bagurumba, especially among youth.
• Through training, workshops and performances, they ensured that tradition evolved without losing authenticity.

Why this matters for governance

• Cultural assertion, when inclusive, can:
  • Build social trust after conflict
  • Strengthen democratic participation
  • Reduce alienation among youth
• Assam’s experience shows that peace is sustained not only by security measures but by cultural dignity.

One-line wrap

The Bagurumba Dwhou shows how cultural pride, when guided by inclusion, can transform a conflict-prone society into a shared civic space.

Key terms explained 

• Cultural assertion: Expression of identity to gain dignity and recognition.
• Inclusivity: Integrating diverse communities without erasing distinct identities.
• Rehabilitation of former militants: Economic and social reintegration after surrender.
• Living heritage: Traditions that evolve while remaining rooted in community life.
• Peace-building: Long-term process combining security, development and social acceptance.

Exam Hook 

Q. “Cultural assertion, when combined with inclusive governance, can become a powerful instrument of peace-building.” Examine this statement in the context of Assam’s recent experience.

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