Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma departed for London on November 15, 2025 in a landmark effort to negotiate with the Victoria and Albert Museum authorities for the temporary return of the revered Vrindavani Vastra to Assam. The Vrindavani Vastra is a centuries old textile artwork created by the 15th century saint scholar Srimanta Sankardev which intricately depicts episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.
The Assam Government has been actively working to bring this treasured cultural artifact back to its place of origin aiming to rekindle public appreciation and awareness of its artistic and spiritual significance. Different portions of the Vrindavani Vastra have been preserved in museums across the world including London and Paris with the collections in London considered among the most extensive.
During his visit to London, Chief Minister Sarma is scheduled to sign a formal agreement with the museum that houses the largest portion of the Vastra to facilitate its temporary return. This agreement is part of a carefully crafted roadmap that could see the Vrindavani Vastra brought back to Assam as early as 2027. The initiative represents a significant cultural milestone for Assam symbolizing the state’s commitment to reclaiming and celebrating its rich heritage.
In addition to this Assam is preparing to open a state of the art museum in Khanapara which will house the Vrindavani Vastra as a central exhibit alongside other national and international artifacts creating opportunities for cultural exchange and education.
This historic step by the Assam government highlights the effort to preserve and showcase the cultural treasures of the state for future generations while also restoring a sense of pride among the Assamese people in their glorious past.