Dibrugarh: Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage from Sadiya to Dhubri was launched today at Guijan in Dibrugarh by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.
Named after one of Hazarika’s most iconic compositions, the cultural journey will travel the length of the Brahmaputra, uniting communities through music and remembrance. The opening ceremony at Bogibeel featured art and quiz competitions on Hazarika’s life and work, along with traditional dance performances by Moran, Motok, Tea Tribe, Sonowal Kachari, Deuri and Gorkha communities.
Video tributes from leading artists were also screened, including violinist Sunita Bhuyan Khound, music directors Dhrubajyoti Phukan, Amrit Pritam, Lohit Gogoi and Syed Sadulla, as well as artists Ramen Choudhury, Samar Hazarika and devotional singer Anup Jalota.
The Brahmaputra, a constant presence in Hazarika’s music, served as both inspiration and metaphor. His immortal song Bistirna Parore reflected not only the vastness of the river but also the struggles and unity of the people who live along its banks.
The centenary celebrations will continue across four locations in Assam: Bogibeel in Dibrugarh on 8 September, Silghat in Tezpur on 11 September, Pandu in Guwahati on 15 September, and Jogighopa on 18 September. Each stop will showcase live performances of Hazarika’s songs, folk traditions and cultural narratives from the communities that shaped his work.
Setting sail on a melodious journey! 🚣♀️🎶 IWAI, under MoPSW, organises ‘Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage’ from Sadiya to Dhubri in #Assam along the #Brahmaputra to commemorate the birth centenary of legendary Dr. #BhupenHazarika . @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @iwai_assam pic.twitter.com/QXTURRd7Hu
— IWAI (@IWAI_ShipMin) September 8, 2025
Prabin Bora, Director of IWAI, said the voyage captures the timeless spirit of Hazarika’s music. “Bhupen Da’s creations were not just songs; they were voices of humanity, unity, and justice. His works captured the joys and sorrows of life along the Brahmaputra and brought Assam’s cultural richness to the world,” he said.
“Much like the mighty Brahmaputra, Bhupen Da’s music flowed across borders with a universal message of peace and brotherhood. On his centenary, we celebrate not only his legacy but also the collective cultural identity he helped shape,” Bora added.
Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019, Hazarika remains a cultural icon whose music transcended boundaries. With Bistirna Parore, Assam has begun a centenary tribute retracing his connection with the river that defined his art and vision.
BI Bureau
