Assam: The first-ever Bodoland Festival was inaugurated today in Delhi, marking a historic moment in the celebration of the Bodo people’s rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions.
Held at the AK Jadhav Wrestling Stadium in the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, the festival commenced with the flag-hoisting of prominent Bodo organizations, including the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), and Dularai Boro Harimu Afad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the festival with a heartfelt tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, a revered Bodo leader, by offering floral respects at his statue. The event was marked by the lively performance of traditional Bodo folk dances, such as Bagurumba and Rwnswndri, presented by Indigenous troupes, alongside various cultural displays that reflected the vibrant diversity of the Bodo community.
The festival, organized by the ABSU, BSS, and other cultural bodies with the support of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) government, attracted key dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, BTC Chief Promod Boro, and several state ministers, such as UG Brahma, Pijush Hazarika, and Ashok Singhal. Representatives from neighboring states and countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, also joined in to celebrate Bodoland’s unique cultural identity.
Prime Minister Modi toured several stalls showcasing GI-tagged Bodo products, traditional crafts, and local delicacies, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the region’s heritage. He also released a souvenir book, Bodoland Jaikhlong, Bodoland Festival 2024, which chronicles the journey and progress of the Bodo community.
The two-day festival, themed “Peace and Prosperity for a Strong India,” not only celebrates the cultural richness of the Bodo people but also highlights the stability and development brought to the region since the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. The festival aims to foster unity among various ethnic communities while promoting Bodoland’s traditions, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
Over 5,000 cultural enthusiasts from Assam, Bodoland, and neighboring countries are expected to attend the event. Key attendees at the inaugural ceremony included ABSU President Dipen Boro, BSS President Dr. Surath Narzary, MP Jayanta Basumatary, and Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha President Prof. Ramesh Bhardwaj.
The Bodoland Festival marks a significant milestone in showcasing the contributions of the Bodo community to India’s cultural fabric while promoting peace, prosperity, and unity across the nation.