By Our Kokrajhar Bureau
Kokrajhar(Assam), April 12: The 3 -day long Baokhungri festival of traditional folk, culture, indigenous sports and local food got underway from Tuesday at Harinaguri in Kokrajhar district.
The festival is being organised by Bodoland Territorial Region Government and Tourism department of BTR that marking the celebration of Rongjali Bwisagu .
CEM of Bodoland Territorial Region, Pramod Boro ceremonially inaugurated the main gate and hoisted the flag of the Baokhungri festival in the presence of BTC executive members (EM) Dr. Dharma Narayan Das and Daobaisa Boro, member of council legislative assembly (MCLA) Madhab Chandra Chetry, BTC Secretary Naren Chandra Basumatary and other dignitaries.
Boro said the Baokhungri festival aims at the promotion of tourism in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). “Our focus is to bring communal harmony, promotion of tourism and development of rural economy”, he said adding that festival reflect tradition, culture, religion and faith, which are the most essential part of the society.
He added that peace is utmost requisite for the all-round development in the region and called upon all to maintain peace and communal harmony among all sections of society. Terming Baukhungri festival as an example of communal harmony, Boro hoped that the people of all communities irrespective of caste, creed and religion would enjoy the festival and provide opportunities to develop rural economy.
Boro said that the Baokhungri festival is regarded as as the biggest festival of Bodoland region with festivity fervour.
He said that the festival marks the celebration of Rongjali Bwisagu in the state.
” I am confident that such events will boost tourism industry of BTR region. Wishing the festival a grand success”, Boro added.
BTC executive member Dr Dharma Narayan Das hoisted the flag of indigenous games, Gunoshankar Wary, general secretary of Bodoland Indigenous Games Association (BIGA) paid floral tribute to the portrait of founder of Indigenous games Ayung S.
Chanokya Brahma, BTC executive member (EM) Daobaisa Boro inaugurated the demonstration of Khomlainai and half-marathon race.
The three -day festival consists of cycling competition , hill trekking and Bwisagu dance competition on April 13, traditional food preparation, Gwkha-Gwkhwi preparation with hundred herbs and Jwo bidwi competition on April 14 along with a food festival showcasing cuisines of different communities.
A cultural show showcasing the rich cultural values of the area and indigenous games like khomlainai, gila gelenai, bifang bukhunai, daola swolainai and daobo aithing will also be held during the ongoing festival.
