Dibrugarh, Aug 31: For the first time in Assam, the Adivasi community came together today to celebrate the Jani Sikar festival, a powerful tribute to the courage, resilience, and leadership of tribal women.
Organised by the All Adivasi Women’s Association of Assam (AAWAA) and the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA), the event at the Dibrugarh District Library drew hundreds of women from across the state. Clad in both traditional attire and warrior costumes—complete with spears, bows, and swords—they reenacted the legendary mock hunt that lies at the heart of Jani Sikar.
The festival, held once every 12 years, honours the heroic women of Rohtasgarh (now in Bihar), who in the early 17th century disguised themselves as men and twice defeated Mughal forces. Their bravery has become a living symbol of resistance and empowerment.
“This is not just history—it is our identity,” said Dr Sonajharia Minj, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Chair in Transforming Indigenous Knowledge, who attended as Chief Guest. “When Adivasi women went out for Jani Sikar, they never returned empty-handed. That is our strength. If we want to change our condition, we must take the right steps today.”
On the term ‘Adivasi’, Dr Minj noted, “The strength of our people lies in this word itself—it means the original inhabitants. Whether or not you are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe here, wherever you have settled, you are Adivasi and will continue to be.
Jharkhand Cabinet Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Guest of Honour and the youngest in her state’s cabinet, shared her emotional connection with Assam’s Adivasi community. “The love and warmth here made me feel like family,” she said. “It is said that it took the Mughals 12 years to realise they were being defeated by women disguised as men—that is why we observe Jani Sikar once every 12 years.”
Other distinguished speakers included Dr Pushpa Champia of Dibrugarh University and Dr Namami Sharma of Tezpur University, who highlighted the festival’s cultural and historical significance.
The programme was presided over by Pauline Ekka, president of AAWAA, with former president Sujata Purty anchoring the proceedings. Several Adivasi leaders and community figures, including AASAA president Godwin Hemrom, AAWAA founder president Veronica Tirkey, Munda Mahasabha Women Cell president Rekha Munda, Dr Probin Topno, former MLA Roselina Tirkey, and former AASAA president Raphael Kujur, were also present.
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