As tea season begins, 8,800 dancers to perform Jhumur in a historic spectacle at Sarusajai Stadium

Dibrugarh, Feb 23: With tea pluckers returning to the lush gardens to begin another cycle of harvesting, the rhythmic beats of dhol, madal, and bamboo flute will echo through Sarusajai Stadium. The rhythm of the Jhumur dance mirrors the toil and dedication of tea garden workers, reinforcing their deep cultural roots and traditions. On February 24, 2025, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over 8,800 dancers from the tea tribe community will take centre stage, presenting a mesmerizing display of Jhumur dance that will bring global recognition to their rich heritage.

With the tea season underway, this performance carries a profound significance. It stands as a tribute to the generations of tea workers whose lives are interwoven with Assam’s tea industry. Jhumur, more than just a dance, embodies their connection to the land and their enduring cultural traditions.

Jhumur is a centuries-old folk dance deeply rooted in the traditions of the tea tribe communities of Assam. Originating from the Indo-Aryan ethnic groups of Chotanagpur, it is also performed in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Traditionally, young girls dance in synchronized formations, their hands interlocked at the waist, while male performers maintain the rhythm and provide music using traditional instruments like dhol, madal, nagara, and bansuri. Often performed in open fields, Jhumur reflects both the joys and hardships of daily life, particularly during the harvest season.

Renowned Jhumur artist Ram Sasoni highlighted the resilience of this dance form over centuries, noting its preservation despite cultural assimilation. “While our people have lived in Assam for over 200 years, our identity remains distinct. The Jhumur dance performed here has evolved slightly from its original form in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Purulia, yet it continues to reflect our history and traditions,” he said.

Nabin Chandra Keot, Vice President of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), expressed immense pride in this historic celebration of Jhumur. “For the first time, our traditional dance will be showcased on such a massive platform, allowing the world to witness the cultural heritage of the tea tribe community,” he said. He credited the Assam government for organizing the mega event and bringing well-deserved recognition to the community’s artistic traditions.

In a significant move to honour and promote Assam’s tea community culture, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced major financial incentives for participants in ‘Jhumoir Binandini,’ the grand performance at Sarusajai Stadium.

During his visit to the stadium, where rehearsals were in full swing, Dr. Sarma was captivated by the synchronized movements of thousands of dancers in traditional attire. As a mark of appreciation, he declared a financial reward of ₹25,000 for each performer and master trainer, while experts assisting the dancers will receive ₹30,000. Additionally, he pledged ₹25,000 for every tea garden in Assam to establish cultural clubs dedicated to preserving the community’s artistic traditions.

Encouraging the performers to stay motivated for their grand showcase, DDrSarma also invited the public to witness the final rehearsal on February 23 at 6 PM at Sarusajai Stadium.

With these efforts, Assam’s government aims to empower the tea community’s artists and ensure their rich cultural legacy continues to thrive. The upcoming event promises not just a dance performance, but a powerful tribute to the resilience, identity, and artistic brilliance of Assam’s tea tribe communities.

Also Read: Forest officials seize wild animal carcasses in Arunachal Pradesh

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.