Boko, 02 June: The Gamarimura Village in Kamrup district of Assam, bordering Meghalaya, came alive on Saturday with the vibrant celebrations of the Baikho Puja, an annual festival organized by the Rabha tribal community. The day-long festivities were held at Gamerimura High School Playground. The Gamarimura regional units of the All Rabha Students Union (ARSU), Women Council (ARWC) and Six Schedule Demand Committee (SSDC) spearheaded the event.

Rohini Kumar Rabha, the head priest of the Puja, said that the rituals began with the sacrifice of a pig and twelve cocks. After that, all priests and the people of the area receive blessings for their worship of God and goddesses. He also informed that Ghila Guti (African dream seeds) and Soko (rice beer) are key parts of the Baikho Puja, suggesting their cultural significance.

Additionally, traditional Rabha dances were performed, adding to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the festival.

During the festival, the organizers felicitated fifty-five local students who recently cleared their HSLC and HS examinations. Ashok Nongbag, Secretary, Kamrup District, ARSU and many others were present in the facilitation program.

Rohini Kumar Rabha, the head priest of the Baikho Puja, said that as a part of the festival, Rabha’s traditional game ‘lewa tana’ (tug-of-war) was also organized among the priests, boys and girls of the area by burning incense and worshipping the Gods and Goddesses.

Rabha also said, “This is our traditional annual Puja during which we worship our thirteen gods and goddesses for good harvest, for children’s progress in education, an abundance of water, good health for our people, and removal of evil and misfortune. Moreover, we annually celebrate the to promote the holistic development of our Rabha tribal community.”

The ‘Barnakkai’ (fire test) dance captivated the attention of the audience in the evening after the sunset, which is the most thrilling part and last ritual of the Puja. Rabha tribal priests apply rice powder paste on their bodies just before performing the ‘Barnakkai’ dance. Subsequently, they ignite a charcoal fire and perform the fire test dance, seeking the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses to fulfil their wishes. Preceding the ‘Barnakkai’, the Rabha tribal priests also observe a ritual called ‘Killabhanga,’ which is performed to invoke power.

Pradip Rabha, Vice President of the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU), mentioned that the Baikho Puja is celebrated in various locations across Assam, including Kamrup, Goalpara, Udalguri, Tamulpur, Bhergaon, and many other places. The festival also extends to several areas in Meghalaya, such as Fedardoba (near Tura), Paham, Nagorgaon, Kodomsali, Dhabangpara, Bogadoli, Khamari, Jugijhar, Nidanpur, Sarakpara, Bahundanga, Kaimbatapara, Borobatapara, Fotamati, Maniganj, and Rongkhula. Furthermore, the Rabha community living in West Bengal observes a similar festival called Rontuk Puja.

The festival is observed on the full moon of the Assamese ‘Jeth’ month, and this year, it is between May and June month. Rabha also emphasized that they have ‘Thaan’ (Place of worship), which they believe was established by the Rabha king ‘Dodan’ in Dairong, Hatigaon, Dariduri, and Nadiapara.

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