Overview
The Jyoti Bishnu Prekhyagriha, also known as Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir, is a new state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam, on December 29, 2025. It is officially recognized as the Largest Auditorium Northeast India has ever witnessed, with a seating capacity of 5,000. The project was completed in “record time” by the Himanta Biswa Sarma government.
Key Features and Infrastructure
- Scale and Cost: Constructed at a cost of Rs 291 crore, the facility spans 45 bighas (approximately 14.85 acres) in Khanapara, Guwahati.
- Main Auditorium: Features a 5,000-seat capacity, designed to host large national and international conferences, theatrical productions, musical concerts, and cultural festivals.
- Technology: Equipped with advanced audio-visual systems for crystal-clear sound and vibrant visual projections. State-of-the-art digital infrastructure is integrated throughout the complex.
- Ancillary Facilities:
- Five opulent VIP suites for dignitaries.
- A dedicated convention center for smaller conferences, workshops, and breakout sessions.
- A multi-level parking facility accommodating 450 vehicles.
- Sustainability: Designed with sustainability in mind, operating on green energy with solar panels contributing significantly to its environmental goals.
Strategic Importance and Impact
- Event Landscape Transformation: Marks a paradigm shift for the event and cultural sectors in Northeast India, addressing the previous lack of suitable large-scale infrastructure. Guwahati is positioned to become a major hub for national and international gatherings.
- Cultural and Artistic Promotion: Provides a world-class stage for local artists, drawing larger audiences and fostering a vibrant creative economy. It will attract national and international performing arts groups, enriching the region’s cultural offerings.
- Economic Stimulation: Expected to stimulate significant economic activity by drawing delegates, tourists, and investment, boosting local businesses and creating employment opportunities in hospitality, tourism, technical services, and event management.
- Academic and Corporate Hub: Ideal for academic conferences, scientific symposiums, corporate events, and public forums due to its capacity and technological sophistication.
- Regional and International Collaboration: Facilitates greater collaboration by attracting global speakers, performers, and thought leaders, enriching the region’s intellectual and cultural landscape. Its location as a gateway to Southeast Asia enhances its appeal for fostering connections and strengthening Assam’s global position.
Comparison with Previous Benchmarks
The Jyoti Bishnu Prekhyagriha’s 5,000-seat capacity definitively surpasses previous significant venues like the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM).
- USTM’s Central Auditorium had a seating capacity of 3,000 (2,000 ground floor, 1,000 balcony) and was previously considered a major venue, with some external sources suggesting over 5,000 seats, creating a perception of it being the largest.
- The new facility represents a substantial leap in scale and capability, establishing it as the premier large-scale venue in the Northeast.
Visionary Leadership and Naming
The project’s rapid execution highlights the Himanta Biswa Sarma government’s commitment to infrastructure development and cultural upliftment.
The auditorium is named in honor of Assamese cultural icons:
- Jyotiprasad Agarwala (Rupkonwar): A pioneer playwright, lyricist, filmmaker (credited with Assam’s first film, ‘Joymoti’ in 1935), and journalist, known for his patriotic and culturally rich works.
- Bishnu Prasad Rabha (Kalaguru): A revolutionary artist, musician, dancer, writer, and freedom fighter, dedicated to uplifting common people and promoting indigenous Assamese arts with social commentary.
The naming ensures their legacy inspires future generations and transforms the structure into a living monument of innovation and cultural pride.
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