‘Bistirna Parore’ cruise docks at Guwahati; hundreds honour Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy
The evening’s programme saw soulful Bhupendra Sangeet renditions, with vibrant dance performances by Karbi, Bodo & Tiwa troupes
Music voyage reaches Pandu port. (photo:@sarbanandasonwal/X)
Guwahati, Sept 16: A special river cruise titled “Bistirna Parore”, facilitated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, anchored at Pandu Port on Monday evening, drawing hundreds of spectators despite inclement weather.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who joined the celebrations at Pandu Port, described the initiative as both a tribute to the music legend and a step towards harnessing the Brahmaputra’s cultural and economic potential.
“River cruise tourism can transform Assam’s economy by creating jobs, attracting international visitors, and driving sustainable development,” Sonowal said, after spending the evening aboard the cruise.
Taking to social media, he wrote, “An unforgettable evening on the mighty Brahmaputra, as the air resonated with the immortal voice of Bharat Ratna, Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika… It was a privilege to be with his son, Shri Tej Hazarika, brother Shri Samar Hazarika and their family aboard the Bistirna Parore cruise.”
The evening’s cultural programme featured soulful renditions of Bhupendra Sangeet, alongside dance performances by Karbi, Bodo and Tiwa troupes, staged against the iconic backdrop of the Saraighat Bridge.
Members of Hazarika’s family, including his son Tej and brother Samar, joined the event, adding emotional depth to the tribute.
The 10-day musical voyage set sail on September 8 from Guijan in Tinsukia, retracing Hazarika’s deep bond with the Brahmaputra as it journeys from Sadiya to Dhubri.
At every stop, the cruise pays homage to the “Bard of Brahmaputra” through performances of his immortal songs, instrumental recitals, and traditional dances.
The “Bistirna Parore” campaign brings together ten musicians travelling on the vessel, performing Hazarika’s songs at riverside halts and engaging with local communities and artistes who once worked with him.
Beyond performance, the initiative aims to collect stories, share memories, and pass on Hazarika’s legacy to new generations.
Positioned as a confluence of music, heritage and river tourism, the voyage is intended to showcase Assam’s cultural richness while promoting the Brahmaputra as a world-class river cruise destination.