Guwahati: The three-day Baokhungri Festival, a vibrant showcase of Bodo culture orchestrated by the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Tourism Department, reached its grand finale today at the picturesque Baokhungri Hill, situated near Harinaguri in the Kokrajhar district.
The concluding day of the festival auspiciously aligned with Chaitra Sankranti, drawing an impressive gathering of approximately one lakh devotees and visitors who journeyed from various parts of Assam and neighboring regions to partake in the festivities.
A central element of the celebration was the age-old spiritual trek to the 1,490-foot summit of Baokhungri Hill. Beginning in the early hours, thousands of pilgrims embarked on the 4-kilometer ascent, engaging in prayers for well-being, inner serenity, and the realization of their aspirations. This deeply ingrained Bodo tradition continues to serve as a significant symbol of spiritual devotion and communal harmony.
This year’s Baokhungri Festival, which spanned from April 12th to 14th, was notable for its diverse participation, with individuals from numerous ethnic communities joining in the celebrations, underscoring the region’s spirit of inclusivity. The event offered a rich tapestry of traditional Bodo games such as Khomlainai (Bodo wrestling) and Ghila Gelenai (a stone-based sport), alongside modern sporting events like half-marathon and cycling races.
The festival grounds also featured an array of food stalls presenting authentic Bodo cuisine and local delicacies, complemented by captivating cultural performances from various ethnic groups, transforming the venue into a vibrant display of unity in diversity. Tourists, spiritual seekers, and those passionate about culture immersed themselves in the lively atmosphere, with many expressing that the experience was both spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching.
The remarkable turnout and enthusiastic participation underscore the growing significance of Baokhungri not only as a revered spiritual site but also as an emerging focal point for eco and cultural tourism within the Northeast. As dusk settled over the verdant hills, the Baokhungri Festival drew to a close, leaving behind a sense of harmony, pride, and a strengthened sense of identity for the people of the Bodoland region.
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