By Our Kokrajhar Web Desk
Kokrajhar (Assam) , April 15: A sea of humanity , young and old, irrespective of caste, creed and community, trekked to the ‘Baukhungri Hills’ here ,a day before Bwisagu or Bihu celebration across the state .
The Bodos traditionally celebrate the festival as Baukhungri Hajw Gakhwnai (climbing of Baukhungri Hill) on the last day of Chaitra month (April 14) which is also observed as Chaitra Sankranti .
The 9th edition of the Baukhungri festival started with a two-day colourful programme at Harinaguri, 10km east of Kokrajhar town along the Baukhungri Hill in Kokrajhar district,which was organised by BTC Tourism department and BAUKHHUNGRI festival Organizing committee.
The festival is an attraction which includes Hill trekking .
Lakhs of people from across the region gathered on the foothills of Baukhungri to trek on the day which is considered to be very auspicious .
The Baukhungri festival is main festival of Bodoland region,especially on the eve of Bwisagu or Bihu where people from all walks of life participate with great enthusiasm.
The traditional Bodo custom of climbing the hill ‘Baukhunguri’ on the auspicious day of Sankranti is celebrated as a festival every year since time immemorial. Earlier locals used to throng and climb Baukhungri hill near Kokrajhar town in an unorganized manner,but for last seven years , it is being organized by BTC Tourism department in a systematic manner .
The festival has promoted tourism in the region and tourists visit to have a feel of natural beauty .
BTR CEM and UPPL chief Pramod Boro on Wednesday offered his prayer and worship to the almighty Bwrai Bathow at the Bathow Thanshali atop Baukhhungri Hills.
He also extended his Rongjali Bwisagu or Rongali Bihu greetings to all citizens of the region and whished them a happy Bwisagu.
Boro said that he was hopeful that UPPL and BJP parties would win all the 12 contesting constituencies across the BTR districts.
He said that his party wants healthy environment among all sections of the society.
He also expressed concern over horse trading in state in run up to the Assembly election results across the region .
Boro also thanked all sections of the society for successfully voting in favour of UPPL-BJP alliance parties in the recently concluded assembly elections across the region.
Boro while addressing a press conference here in Kokrajhar, said that people are experiencing a healthy environment during the reign of BJP led NDA government in the state.He added that the BJP led NDA government is winning majority of the seats across the state to form the next government in the state as BJP government is dedicated towards upliftment of the society.
He has also extended sincere thanks to PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah for extending support to the UPPL and BJP in the state.
People from greater Haloadal village celebrates Goru Bihu at Tarang River in Kokrajhar district by giving bath to the cattle’s in the morning.
” Villagers also dances to the tune of Bwisagu songs”, a citizen said.
Bodos are celebrating Rongjali Bwisagu or Rongali Bihu across the state from Wedneday .
The Rongjali Bwisagu celebration was held with the sounds of traditional musical instruments like Kham,Serja,Shifung,Jotha,Kobtha,Harmonium etc.
The Bwisagu celebration is considered to be the national festival of Bodos in Assam .
