MORIGAON, June 27 - The Sarudaiya jaapi, an Assamese traditional headgear created by bamboo, tokou leaves etc., has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records at last. A noted artist of Morigaon district, Subhas Medhi, had built a huge traditional jaapi at the Bhurbandha field on October 25, 2014 after working on it for three years. The then Minister of the Assam Government, Basanta Das had inaugurated this mega jaapi covering 15 bighas of land.
Medhi designed the largest jaapi with 1,400 bamboos and 3,000 tokou (palm) leaves measuring 545.965 sq metres in total surface area (80 feet in diameter and 260 feet in circumference). The total weight of the jaapi was 10,326.51 kg and it was displayed on October 25, 2014 at the Bhurbandha playground in the district.
The Guinness Book of World Records, London sent a letter to artist Subhas Medhi informing him about inclusion of his jaapi in the Guinness Book. The letter was received by Medhi on June 23. The inclusion of Assamese Suradaiya jaapi in the Guinness Book of World Records is a major success story of an artist of Morigaon district who devoted time and energy for the last 10 years to the cause. Subhas Medhi while talking to newsmen said that his efforts was recognised by the world organisation and the heritage of Assamese culture was established at the world forum.
