GUWAHATI: Assam’s classical Sattriya dance and Vaishnav cultural traditions found a prestigious global platform at a special event held inside the British Parliament in London on June 17, marking a significant moment for the state's cultural diplomacy.
The programme featured performances showcasing Assam’s centuries-old Sattriya tradition and was attended by Dr. Pitambar Dev Goswami, helping introduce Assam’s spiritual and cultural heritage to an international audience.
Speaking to GPlus, Sattriya dancer Chinu Kishor who performed at the event said the initiative was undertaken voluntarily with the sole objective of promoting Assam’s art and culture on a global stage.
"This was purely a passion-driven effort. I never wanted any personal spotlight from it. My intention was to create a platform where Assam’s art, culture and traditions could receive the recognition they deserve. Assam is often overlooked, and seeing it receive attention at such a prestigious venue makes me extremely happy," she said.
Kishor further revealed that the response to the event exceeded expectations. According to her, the organisers had initially been allotted a parliamentary chamber with a seating capacity of 65 people. However, due to growing interest, the event was later shifted to a larger room capable of accommodating around 100 attendees.
She also shared plans to take Assam’s cultural outreach further through a future presentation of Bhaona, another important component of the state's Vaishnav heritage.
The event is being viewed as a landmark moment for Assam’s cultural community, with Sattriya dance and Vaishnav traditions receiving visibility within one of the world's most prominent parliamentary institutions, further strengthening the global appreciation of the state's rich cultural legacy.