The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on Monday launched “Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage from Sadiya to Dhubri” on the Brahmaputra to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
The voyage, flagged off this morning from Guijan in Dibrugarh under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has been conceptualised as a cultural tribute to the legendary singer, popularly known as the “Sudhakantha” (Bard of the Brahmaputra).
The opening ceremony at Bogibeel includes art and quiz competitions on the life and works of Hazarika, alongside traditional group dance performances by Moran, Motok, Tea Tribe, Sonowal Kachari, Deuri and Gorkha communities. Video tributes by noted artists including violinist Sunita Bhuyan Khound, music directors Dhrubajyoti Phukan and Amrit Pritam, and devotional singer Anup Jalota will also be screened.
IWAI Director Prabin Bora said the voyage reflects the timeless spirit of Bhupen Hazarika’s music. “His creations were voices of humanity, unity and justice. His songs captured the joys and sorrows of life along the Brahmaputra and brought Assam’s cultural richness to the world,” Bora said.
The cultural voyage, named after one of Hazarika’s most iconic compositions Bistirna Parore, will span the length of the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri. It will include four major events – Bogibeel in Dibrugarh (September 8), Silghat in Tezpur (September 11), Pandu in Guwahati (September 15) and Jogighopa (September 18).
Live performances of Hazarika’s songs, folk presentations and cultural narratives will be staged during the journey, echoing his vision of harmony across communities.
Hazarika, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2019, continues to be remembered as a cultural icon who gave the Brahmaputra a voice of unity and humanity through his music.