Bihu in space! Astronaut brings Assamese dance to ISS, Assam celebrates

In a striking cultural moment that has captured global attention, an American astronaut aboard the International Space Station has performed the traditional Assamese Bihu dance , bringing the spirit of Assam’s most vibrant festival far beyond Earth.

The astronaut, Mike Fincke , who is married to Assamese origin Renita Saikia , was seen in a widely shared video performing Bihu movements while wearing a traditional gamosa around his neck . A Bihu song playing in the background added to the symbolic celebration, blending space exploration with cultural expression.

The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing appreciation from across India and especially from Assam, where Rongali Bihu , marking the Assamese New Year, is currently being celebrated with festive enthusiasm.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the video on social media platform X, calling it a proud and emotional moment for the state. He praised the astronaut for the gesture, stating that it reflects how Assamese culture is now reaching a global audience. He also highlighted the influence of initiatives that have promoted Bihu on international platforms in recent years.

Sarma further referred to the grand cultural showcase Bihu Binandia , held in Guwahati in 2023, where nearly 10,000 performers participated in a massive Bihu presentation witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . According to him, such events have helped elevate Bihu from a regional celebration to a globally recognised cultural identity.

The unique performance aboard the ISS has now added a new dimension to that journey, symbolising how traditions rooted in local heritage can find expression even in outer space. For many in Assam, it is not just a dance in orbit, but a proud reminder that their culture continues to travel far beyond geographical boundaries.