Musical Voyage Honors Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Legacy on Brahmaputra River
In a heartfelt tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on his birth centenary, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) launched a special musical journey called Bistirna Parore. This voyage, inspired by one of Hazarika’s iconic songs, retraces the legendary singer’s deep connection with the mighty Brahmaputra River. It docked at Pandu Port in Guwahati on Monday evening, drawing crowds despite the rainy weather.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal attended as the chief guest. He shared the stage with Hazarika’s family members, including his son Tej Hazarika and brother Samar Hazarika, plus top Assamese artists, cultural leaders, and local dignitaries. The event turned into a lively celebration of Assam’s rich heritage right under the historic Saraighat Bridge.
The trip kicked off on September 8 from Guijan in Tinsukia, marking Hazarika’s birth anniversary. It sails along the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri, blending music, culture, and river travel. This isn’t just a nod to the Bard of Brahmaputra—it’s a smart way to spotlight the river’s huge potential for river cruise tourism in Assam.
At every stop, like Bogibeel, Neematighat, Biswanath, and Tezpur, the voyage sparks joy and creativity. Kids dive into art workshops drawn from Hazarika’s songs, young people compete in fun quizzes, and locals join the onboard band for spontaneous singing and dancing. Eminent artists team up with communities to pay tribute to Hazarika, whose melodies forever captured the Brahmaputra as a symbol of life and emotion.
The Pandu Port evening lit up with Bhupen Sangeet performances, soulful instrumentals, and energetic group dances from Karbi, Bodo, and Tiwa communities. With Hazarika’s family there, the event felt personal, highlighting how his music still binds the river and its people.
Sonowal praised the initiative for its double impact. "This voyage honors Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who gave the Brahmaputra its voice through his songs," he said. "But it also unlocks the river’s role as a cultural and economic powerhouse. River cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra can boost Assam’s economy by creating jobs, attracting tourists from around the world, and involving local communities in sustainable growth."
The Brahmaputra stands out as one of the world’s mightiest rivers, perfect for cruises with its wide expanses, stunning views, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures along the banks. Unlike crowded European rivers, this one remains an untapped gem. Imagine spotting rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, exploring Majuli’s ancient satras, strolling through tea gardens, or soaking in tribal traditions and Guwahati’s buzz—all from a scenic river cruise.
IWAI’s Bistirna Parore campaign builds excitement for Brahmaputra river cruise tourism, designated as National Waterway 2 (NW-2). It shows how such trips unite communities, promote local arts, and spark cultural exchanges while boosting local businesses. With new terminals popping up from Sadiya to Dhubri, the river gears up for more passenger and cargo traffic, with tourism as a key highlight.
Sonowal added, "River cruise tourism could become Assam’s global calling card, offering unmatched natural beauty and cultural stories. Through events like this, we’re putting Assam on the world map for river cruises."
As the ship heads to Jogighopa next, Bistirna Parore keeps sailing as a cultural adventure and bold vision. It celebrates Hazarika’s dreams of unity and humanity while pushing Assam to tap the Brahmaputra for tourism, trade, and culture. Just like his songs, the river connects and inspires, blending old traditions with fresh opportunities.
IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, drives these changes. From the record-breaking Ganga Vilas cruise that linked Varanasi to Dibrugarh, to upcoming ship repair hubs at Pandu, modern terminals at Jogighopa and Bogibeel, and better connectivity like roads to NH-27, they’re transforming the Brahmaputra. Projects such as bank protection in Bogibeel, cargo facilities for Bhutan trade, and dredging for smooth navigation on NW-2 and NW-16 prepare the river for top-tier tourism.
These efforts echo Hazarika’s values of brotherhood and love, uniting communities along the banks and empowering lives through connectivity and prosperity.
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