Screenshot from the video shared by Himanta Biswa Sarma NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday shared a video of an American astronaut performing Bihu, an indigenous folk dance from the state, aboard the International Space Station (ISS).Sarma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving “special focus” to Bihu.”Bihu in an International Space Station. Kudos to astronaut Mike Fincke for this special gesture to Assam’s culture. It’s wonderful to see Bihu going global, especially after the special focus given by Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji during #BihuBinandia,” he wrote on X along with the video.“Bihu Binandia” was a large-scale cultural performance held in Guwahati in April 2023, featuring around 10,000 performers. The event was witnessed by PM Modi. According to The Assam Tribune, the video of Fincke performing Bihu is not recent and has resurfaced online. Its circulation comes as the state currently celebrates Rongali Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year. In the clip, Fincke is seen dancing to traditional Bihu music while wearing a gamusa, a symbolic Assamese handwoven scarf, around his neck. He is married to Renita Saikia, who is originally from Assam and also works with Nasa. The couple has three children. According to Nasa, Edward Michael “Mike” Fincke is a retired United States Air Force colonel who was selected as an astronaut in 1996. A Pennsylvania native, he travelled to the ISS for the fourth time on August 1, 2025, as pilot of the SpaceX Crew-11 mission. The mission concluded successfully with a splashdown on January 15.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhat We Know About Indian Ships Hit In Hormuz Strait By Iran Gunboats And Unknown ProjectilePakistan Clears $2Bn UAE Debt As Saudi Extends $3Bn Deposit TermPakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Under US Scanner, Flagged As Risk For Trump Team’Our Relationship Very Strong’: Iran’s Abdul Majid On Hormuz Firing Incident On Indian VesselsCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began123Photostories‘Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6’: From Raqesh Bapat-Vishal Kotian’s ugly clash to Rakhi Sawant’s fiery face-offs, moments that defined the season10 subtle habits that are destroying your marriageInside Anil Kumble’s crores worth Bangalore villa: A thoughtfully designed abode with lush gardens, sunlit interiors and family livingWhy whale vomit is worth millions for humans150-km road network, 46km of flyovers, underpasses: Delhi plans major push to ease traffic congestionSandra Bullock’s best movies to watch on OTT: ‘Speed’, ‘Bird Box’ and moreDhurandhar actor Ranveer Singh loves this spread innovated in the 1940s: Here are 6 ways you can enjoy it too7 key factors that define a ‘posh’ locality in the real estate marketStrong baby names inspired by the Sun8 refreshing fruits to eat this summer for a flatter belly123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event
NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday shared a video of an American astronaut performing Bihu, an indigenous folk dance from the state, aboard the International Space Station (ISS).Sarma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving “special focus” to Bihu.“Bihu in an International Space Station. Kudos to astronaut Mike Fincke for this special gesture to Assam’s culture. It’s wonderful to see Bihu going global, especially after the special focus given by Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji during #BihuBinandia,” he wrote on X along with the video.“Bihu Binandia” was a large-scale cultural performance held in Guwahati in April 2023, featuring around 10,000 performers. The event was witnessed by PM Modi. According to The Assam Tribune, the video of Fincke performing Bihu is not recent and has resurfaced online. Its circulation comes as the state currently celebrates Rongali Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year. In the clip, Fincke is seen dancing to traditional Bihu music while wearing a gamusa, a symbolic Assamese handwoven scarf, around his neck. He is married to Renita Saikia, who is originally from Assam and also works with Nasa. The couple has three children. According to Nasa, Edward Michael “Mike” Fincke is a retired United States Air Force colonel who was selected as an astronaut in 1996. A Pennsylvania native, he travelled to the ISS for the fourth time on August 1, 2025, as pilot of the SpaceX Crew-11 mission. The mission concluded successfully with a splashdown on January 15.
