The traditional Bodo dance form Bagurumba is set to be showcased on a grand scale as over 10,000 artistes perform at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati on January 17, aiming to present the vibrant cultural heritage of Assam to a global audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event on the evening of January 17, lending national significance to what is being described as one of the largest-ever performances of the Bagurumba dance.

Speaking on Friday, Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah said that artistes from across the state will participate in intensive rehearsals from January 12 to January 15. January 16 has been designated as a rest day to allow performers to prepare for the main event.

Bagurumba, often referred to as the “butterfly dance,” is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo community and is closely associated with nature, rhythm, and seasonal celebration. The upcoming performance is part of Assam’s broader effort to bring indigenous art forms onto an international platform through large-scale cultural showcases.

The event follows a series of similar landmark performances in the state. On February 24, 2025, more than 8,000 tea garden workers performed the Jhumoir dance at the same venue in Guwahati. Earlier, on April 14, 2023, Assam created history by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest Bihu dance performance, with 11,304 dancers and drummers participating.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at both previous cultural milestones, underlining the Centre’s continued emphasis on promoting India’s diverse regional traditions.

With the upcoming Bagurumba performance, Assam is poised to add another significant chapter to its cultural legacy—celebrating indigenous identity, artistic unity, and the scale at which tradition can be shared with the world.