Guwahati: The Assam government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Silpi Awards for 2026, honouring eminent personalities for their exceptional contributions to the state’s cultural landscape.
Renowned singers late Samar Hazarika and Dhanada Pathak are among those selected for the coveted awards.
The acclaimed singer, who passed away recently, was the younger brother of legendary cultural icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika. Samar Hazarika began his musical journey in the 1960s and released his first album in 1968. He went on to lend his voice to several popular Assamese films, including Uppath, Bowari and Prabhati Pakhir Gaan. Through his numerous albums and lasting musical contributions, he carved out a distinct and respected place in Assam’s cultural history.
Instituted by the state Cultural Affairs Department, the honours recognise outstanding achievements in the fields of Assamese art, literature, music, theatre, cinema and journalism.
The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah during a press briefing ahead of Silpi Divas on January 17.
Alongside the Silpi Awards, the department also declared recipients of several state-level cultural honours for 2025. Eminent litterateur Moneswar Deori will receive the Krishna Kanta Handique Memorial Award, while veteran journalist Dr Amalendu Chakraborty has been selected for the Gopinath Bordoloi Award for National Integration and Contribution.
Noted theatre personality Karuna Deka will be conferred the Natasurya Phani Sarma Award, acclaimed filmmaker Arup Manna will receive the Bhabendra Nath Saikia Award, and Abani Ranjan Pathak has been named for the Biju Phukan Award.
The state government confirmed financial support for artistes under welfare schemes. A total of 83 artistes and three differently-abled recipients will receive the regular Silpi Pension, while 170 people will be awarded the Barxik Silpi Sanman.
In addition, 26 artists will get a Regular Family Pension, and five families of deceased artists will receive one-time financial aid. These steps highlight the government’s commitment to supporting Assam’s artistic community.
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Silpi Divas, observed annually on January 17, commemorates the death anniversary of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Assam’s iconic cultural luminary—poet, playwright, filmmaker, composer and freedom fighter—who passed away in 1951.
