Ariful Islam / Guwahati

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has ranked a stunning aerial photograph of Assam’s traditional Bagurumba dance by Photographer Hafiz Ahmed at the number 2 slot among the Top 9 Most Striking Images of 2026.

The photograph showcases thousands of Bodo artists performing in perfect harmony at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati. The image beautifully reflects Assam’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.  

Hafiz Ahmed clicked this photograph on January 16 this year. The dancers performed the Bagrumba dance at the Arjun Bhogeswar Barua Sports Project in Saroshjait, Guwahati. The event was organised to set a record for the largest number of participants in a dance for the Guinness World Records.

The photo was taken during the final rehearsal the day before the event.

Photojournalist Hafiz Ahmed

"I clicked the photo on the day of the final rehearsal. And I sent this one just like I sent photos to agencies before and after. When I clicked the photo, I didn't think anything like this would happen. I was also dancing the Bagrumba. I didn't think I would get such recognition until I realised that the photograph I took was consistent with the art of abstract artist Piet Mondrian.”

Hafiz Ahmed shot the photograph from above the top floor of the Gallery of the Arjun Bhogeswar Barua Sports Project Stadium in Saroshjai, Guwahati.

"I have been working for Zuma Press, an American photo agency, for a long time. I sent them this photo in January, like other photos. It is learned that the BBC has collected these photos from various agencies," Ahmed said. 

Hafiz Ahmed's another Photograph

The scene was captured on camera by Hafiz Ahmed

Hafiz Ahmed has received a profusion of congratulations for his achievement on social media. The office of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sharma, has also congratulated him.

"I am grateful to our Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sharma. Because he is trying to spread Assamese culture across the world by organising a very beautiful event. Thanks to his initiative, Bihu, Jhumur, and Bag rumba are already across the world. When they performed the Bag rumba dance, it was so beautiful,” he said.

Hafiz Ahmed was very interested in news photography since his childhood. He joined the Sentinel Newspaper, published from Guwahati and began his career as a photojournalist.

Hafiz Ahmed's photograph

He is currently an independent photojournalist working for many international news agencies like the Zuma Press, Reuters, and Anadolu.

Hafiz Ahmed works for the Press Trust of India as a contributing photojournalist based in Guwahati.

Asked what challenges he faced in his photography career, Hafiz Ahmed said: "There are various challenges. Since I do news photography. So in news photography, we cannot wait for good times. It happens suddenly, and we have to be mentally prepared for clicking photographs.”

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Hafiz Ahmed has won various honours and awards through his passionate work. Hafiz Ahmed was recently honoured at a function held by the Dispur Press Club in Guwahati on the occasion of its foundation day. "Actually, I don't work for honours or awards. I love my job and always try to take good photos. The BBC recognition was unexpected for me. Such recognition inspires me to do better in the future," he said.