Dibrugarh: A total of 8,888 women came together at the Piyoli Phukan Stadium in Sivasagar to perform a historic mass rendition of Diha Naam, the traditional Assamese congregational prayer, on Sunday. The event marked one of the largest gatherings of its kind, celebrating the rich Assamese traditions, cultural unity and spiritual harmony.
Against the backdrop of a crisp blue winter sky, participants attired in traditional white ‘mekhela sador' created a mesmerising spectacle as they sang in perfect harmony. The performance was led by renowned Diha Naam exponents Sangeeta Bora and Snigdha Bora, who guided the massive ensemble through the spiritual compositions. The stadium, packed with thousands of spectators, witnessed an extraordinary moment as the collective voices of 8,888 women rose in perfect synchronisation, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
"This gathering represents the living heritage of Assam's spiritual traditions. When 8,888 women sing together, it's not just music, it's a powerful statement of cultural unity and spiritual strength," Pitambar Dev Goswami, satradhikar of Majuli's Aunitati Satra, said while inaugurating the event.
The event, organised by the Sivasagar-based Jugalbandi Sanskritik Kala Krishti Kendra, drew participants from every corner of Assam. The performance featured traditional instruments, including Negera, taal and khol, accompanied by rhythmic hand-clapping that created a powerful orchestral effect.
Diha Naam, rooted in the Vaishnava tradition, pays homage to the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardev through devotional songs derived from religious scriptures such as Kirtan-ghosa with a call-and-response style of singing.