Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made a historic announcement on Thursday regarding the state’s cultural heritage. He announced that the famous “Vrindavani Vastra,” created under the guidance of the great sage Srimanta Sankardev, will now be brought to Assam for six months and displayed to the public. The CM made the announcement during a live broadcast on social media. He said, “On November 15th, I am going to London. A few months ago, I had said that I was trying to bring the Vrindavani Vastra to Assam. Now, an agreement will be signed between the London Museum and the Assam government. For the first time, the Vrindavani Vastra will be brought to the state for six months.”
Discussions to be held in London on the preservation and display of the Vastra
Chief Minister Sarma stated that during his visit to London, detailed discussions will be held regarding the preservation, display, and storage of this sacred Vastra. He said, “It has been my long-held dream to have this Vastra return to Assam. We will also decide what type of museum is needed in Assam to preserve and display it.”
The Chief Minister will be in London from November 15th to 17th and will return to Assam on November 18th. This centuries-old spiritual textile was woven at the request of King Naranarayana under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardev and is currently preserved in museums in Britain and France.
Path Cleared for Agreement with British Museum
Chief Minister Sarma had earlier informed on August 30th that the British Museum had sent a letter to the state government stating that the Vrindavani Vastra could be loaned to Assam for 18 months if certain conditions were met. The first of these conditions was the creation of a digital experience—a live feed from the British Museum, London, to Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati. The second, and more important, condition was the establishment of an international-level museum in Assam that would meet the standards for the preservation and protection of heritage artifacts. British Museum officials inspected Kalakshetra and the Assam State Museum and stated that the current facilities are not adequate to house this priceless textile.
Assam may receive the Vrindavani Vastra for permanent display by 2027
The Chief Minister stated that British Museum officials have assured the Assam government that if the new museum is built, they are working to send the Vrindavani Vastra for display to both the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai and Assam by 2027. He stated that the British Museum will soon share its recommendations on environmental and safety standards for the proposed museum. The Chief Minister stated, “This textile is not just Assamese art, but a symbol of our spiritual and cultural identity. Bringing it to Assam is not just a government initiative, but a mission deeply rooted in the sentiments of every Assamese.” This decision will not only give new recognition to the state’s history and culture, but will also elevate Assam’s museum and tourism sectors to new heights internationally.
