The Assam government has announced plans to secure UNESCO recognition for several of the state’s cultural and historical treasures, including Bihu, the Vaishnavite cultural tradition of Majuli, and the Ahom capital of Rangpur in Sivasagar. This was revealed by Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah while presenting the 2026-27 Budget in the Assam Assembly.
According to Baruah, the state will pursue inscriptions under UNESCO’s cultural, natural, and intangible heritage categories, with the aim of preserving Assam’s unique legacy while elevating its global profile. This initiative follows the successful inscription of the Charaideo Moidams as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which the state government described as a major milestone in showcasing Assam’s rich civilisational heritage before the international community.
The proposed nominations will be taken up in phases and are expected to strengthen heritage conservation efforts while creating new opportunities for cultural tourism and global engagement. As part of the heritage conservation agenda, the state government also announced that work on the Rang Ghar Conservation Project would be expedited, along with restoration, preservation, and visitor infrastructure development at the historic Kareng Ghar.
The Budget also laid emphasis on preserving Assam’s Vaishnavite heritage, with adequate financial support to be provided for the comprehensive development of Madhupur Satra, the sacred site associated with the final years of 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. The project will include heritage conservation, improved pilgrim facilities, and expansion of cultural infrastructure.
Additionally, the state government announced plans to constitute and empower the Assam Satra Commission to further institutionalise the preservation of the state’s monastic traditions. The Budget also proposed organising a grand Bihu celebration in New Delhi to showcase Assam’s cultural identity before a national audience, as well as hosting the concluding ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika in New Delhi.
The state government also announced financial assistance for producing commercial feature films on legendary Ahom military commander Lachit Barphukan and freedom fighter Swahid Kushal Konwar. These initiatives form part of the state government’s broader strategy to preserve Assam’s heritage while positioning the state as a leading destination for cultural and heritage tourism.
