Dibrugarh: In a breathtaking spectacle of cultural pride, 15,999 women gathered at the historic Nehru Maidan in Duliajan on Sunday to sing Biya Naam — traditional Assamese wedding songs — in a single, unified voice. Dressed in the resplendent golden hues of traditional Muga mekhela sador, the participants created a scene as visually magnificent as it was musically stirring, reaffirming the living vitality of Assamese folk heritage.The landmark event was jointly organised by Duliajan Sanmilita Ayotee Cultural Group and Sivasagar District Sanmilita Surujmukhi Shilpi Samaj, with participants travelling from across the state to be part of this cultural milestone. The performers, known as Ayotis — women traditionally associated with singing wedding songs — sang continuously for 35 minutes, captivating the audience present at the venue.The initiative stemmed from a shared concern among organisers and cultural custodians that Biya Naam, an intrinsic part of Assamese wedding customs, is steadily fading in contemporary society. By bringing thousands of practitioners together under one roof, the organisers aimed to breathe new life into this treasured art form and carry it forward for future generations.“This programme was organised with the goal of ensuring Biya Naam moves forward. We hope that from Duliajan, these traditions will gain renewed momentum,” said Ranu Bhuyan, one of the organisers, underlining the event’s broader mission to preserve and globalise the art form.Veteran actress Chetana Das, who was present at the event, praised the participants, noting that such a collective demonstration serves as a powerful inspiration for all ethnic communities and tribes across the region.“Such an event serves as an inspiration for all ethnic communities and tribes in the region,” Das said, urging more communities to take pride in their cultural roots and work actively to preserve them.Biya Naam has historically been an integral part of Assamese weddings, with women singing these traditional songs during rituals such as Pani Tola — the ceremonial collection of sacred water — as they walk in procession together. However, as modern wedding ceremonies increasingly adopt contemporary formats, these songs have gradually retreated from everyday practice.
