Sivasagar, Feb 3: Sivasagar etched its name in cultural history on February 3 as 15,555 women came together at the historic Jerenga Pathar to create a world record by performing Assamese Dihanam continuously for 45 minutes. Officials said the unprecedented performance has been officially recognised and recorded by the World-Wide Book of Records, marking a landmark moment for Assam’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The mass rendition of Dihanam was organised under the initiative of the Ratnagarbha Tejaswini Foundation and was led by noted Dihanam exponent Amiya Neog Kalita, who has been honoured with the title of Dihanam Guru. Artistes from across Assam participated in the programme, which unfolded in three segments and showcased the depth and diversity of the traditional Vaishnavite devotional practice. The event was attended by Auniati Satra Satradhikar Dr. Pitambar Deva Goswami, adding spiritual significance to the occasion.
The record-setting performance featured Dihanam in three distinct forms — the Sattriya or Bordoiha style associated with Majuli, the Sabahuwa style prevalent in the Sivasagar region, and the general style widely practised in central and lower Assam. Officials said the collective presentation of these styles reflected the rich cultural continuum of the tradition while preserving its classical purity.
As part of the programme, several eminent personalities were honoured for their contributions to Assam’s cultural and spiritual life. Vaishnav scholar and Auniati Satra Satradhikar Dr. Pitambar Deva Goswami was conferred the Satra Pradeep Award. The late Badan Maliya received the Dihanam Ratna title posthumously, while veteran artist Phanidhar Gogoi, popularly known as China Bayan of the Magarahat region, was honoured with the Bhaona Badya Sampad Mahiruh title. Lohit Handique and Mon Rajguru were awarded the Bhagavat Acharya Award, Tulasi Rajkhowa Dangoria received the Satra Sevak title, and several other cultural practitioners, including Dr. Dipen Das, were also felicitated.
Speaking on the occasion, Amiya Neog Kalita said the attempt was driven by a desire to present Dihanam in its pure and authentic form to a global audience, while inspiring younger generations to connect with the tradition. Sindhuja VB, Indian coordinator of the World-Wide Book of Records, praised the scale and discipline of the performance and formally confirmed its recognition, describing it as a remarkable achievement that celebrates Assam’s living cultural legacy.
