Dhimsa Performance by 13,750 Students Highlights Tribal Heritage at Bhogapuram Airport Inauguration
The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh featured a major cultural showcase, as 13,750 schoolchildren performed the traditional Dhimsa folk dance. The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighted the state’s rich tribal heritage alongside the major aviation milestone.
What Happened
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the public meeting venue from the airport’s terminal building, thousands of students performed the Dhimsa dance in unison to the beats of tribal percussion instruments and traditional folk songs. Dressed in vibrant pink saris with green borders and matching green blouses, the 13,750 participants were organized into 433 groups of 50 each, dancing in circles while holding hands.
The students represented several districts across the state, including Parvatipuram-Manyam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Alluri Sitarama Raju. The grand display followed a performance held at the same venue a day earlier, which was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest Dhimsa dance performance. During the event, representatives from Guinness World Records based in London presented the official certificate to Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani.
Key Highlights
- Mass Participation: A total of 13,750 students from various Andhra Pradesh districts took part in the synchronized cultural presentation.
- World Record Recognition: Representatives from Guinness World Records presented the certificate for the largest Dhimsa dance performance to Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani.
- Administrative Coordination: The mega dance event was coordinated by Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishnababu, senior IAS officer M.M. Naik, and other officials.
- High-Profile Dignitaries: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the students for their performance during his official address at the venue.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of the traditional folk dance at a major infrastructure inauguration brought regional tribal art forms into the national spotlight. Observers and parents noted that the large-scale performance helped people across the state appreciate the cultural significance of the Dhimsa tradition. Cultural figures, including Badri Kurma Rao, founder of Gidugu Ramamurthy, Telugu Bhasha and Janapada Kalapeetham, publicly expressed gratitude to the state government for incorporating the folk performance into the airport’s opening ceremony.
What to Watch Next
With the official opening of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport and the presentation of the Guinness World Record certificate, local authorities and cultural organizations may continue efforts to promote regional heritage during future state events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record was recognized at the Bhogapuram airport venue?
Guinness World Records recognized the performance as the largest Dhimsa dance performance, certifying an event that brought together 13,750 student dancers.
Which dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu were present at the inauguration of the airport and the cultural event.
Where did the participating students come from?
The students traveled from multiple districts, including Parvatipuram-Manyam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Alluri Sitarama Raju.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.