Bhupen Hazarika Centenary River Voyage Reaches Guwahati to Large Turnout

Overview

• Thousands gathered at Pandu Port in Guwahati on September 15 despite bad weather for performances spanning Bhupendra Sangeet, instrumental recitals and Karbi, Bodo and Tiwa dances.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal framed the voyage as both a tribute to Hazarika and a step toward positioning the river as a cultural and economic lifeline.
• Hazarika’s son Tej and brother Samar joined artists, cultural figures and citizens at the Guwahati program.
• IWAI highlighted NW-2 upgrades including a planned ship-repair facility at Pandu, a dedicated NH-27 road link, modern terminals at Jogighopa and Bogibeel, and fairway development to support cruise tourism and cargo movement.
• The journey, which began September 8 from Guijan in Tinsukia, continues toward Jogighopa after community-focused stops at Bogibeel, Neematighat, Biswanath and Tezpur featuring art sessions, quizzes and local performances.