Jhumoir Binandini 2025: A historic tribute to 200 years of Assam’s tea industry

Guwahati, Feb 24: History, culture, and emotion merged into a breathtaking spectacle at Jhumoir Binandini 2025, where 8,000 performers came together in a mesmerizing celebration of Assam’s traditional Jhumoir dance. Held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati, the grand cultural extravaganza showcased the soul-stirring artistry of the Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities, blending heritage with a profound sense of pride.

The event reached new heights with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded the performance, calling it a festival of Assam’s enduring spirit.

“I call upon people across India to know more about Jhumoir and the exceptional culture of the Tea Tribes. Today’s programme will be remembered as a monumental effort in this direction,” Modi said.

Every moment of Jhumoir Binandini was a visual symphony—an experience that transcended time. As India marks 200 years of Assam Tea, this celebration beautifully wove together history, culture, and emotion.

“The culture of the tea tribes, their spirit, and their deep connection to the land—it all came alive today. I compliment all the artists who took part in this programme. I bow to the culture and traditions of Assam!” the Prime Minister added.

As the dancers swayed in perfect synchrony, their vibrant costumes mirroring the lush hues of Assam’s tea gardens, the atmosphere crackled with energy and excitement. Addressing the electrified gathering, Modi expressed admiration for the breathtaking scale of the performance, which he said reflected the fragrance and beauty of the tea gardens. He underscored how Jhumoir is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the tea community and spoke of his personal connection to Assam’s traditions.

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.

“The aroma of the tea and Jhumoir dance… No one understands all this better than a chaiwala,” Modi remarked, evoking cheers from the crowd.

He described the event not just as a dance performance, but as a tribute to Assam’s rich history and the resilience of its tea community. Recalling his 2023 visit, where 11,000 Bihu dancers enthralled the nation, the Prime Minister hailed Jhumoir Binandini as another moment of pride for Assam. He congratulated the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for organizing the spectacular event.

In a symbolic gesture, Modi played the Dhomsa, a traditional drum of the tea garden community. He was also presented with a bow and arrow, along with a curated basket of Assam’s finest teas.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of such grand cultural events in bringing Assam’s unique heritage to the world stage. Once overlooked, the state is now experiencing a cultural renaissance, with its traditions being recognized nationally and internationally. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the Northeast, highlighting key achievements, including his government’s role in securing classical language status for Assamese and the inclusion of Charaideo Moidam in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. He also spoke of his deep connection with Assam’s biodiversity, reminding the audience that he was the first Prime Minister to stay in Kaziranga National Park to promote the state’s ecological treasures.

The event was also an occasion to honour Assam’s illustrious past, with the Prime Minister paying tribute to the legendary Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan.

Beyond cultural celebrations, Modi underscored his government’s initiatives for the Tea Tribe community, announcing a series of welfare measures. From financial assistance for tea garden workers to healthcare schemes under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uplifting those who have nurtured Assam’s iconic tea industry. He highlighted the establishment of 100 model tea garden schools, with another 100 in the pipeline, and lauded new self-employment schemes to empower the youth.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke of the Centre’s help in getting Assamese the status of classical language and Charaideo Moidam a World Heritage Status.

As the evening drew to a close, a dazzling laser show and fireworks illuminated the Guwahati sky, sending the crowd into raptures. About 60 heads of missions, union ministers and state cabinet ministers were present on the occasion

The scene now shifts to a business like atmosphere tomorrow at Advantage Assam 2.0 where PM Modi will be present.

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