HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, April 16: The 12th edition of the Baukhungri Festival, one of the largest and most anticipated events in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), concluded on Monday with colourful celebrations at Baukhungri Hill, Harinaguri in Kokrajhar. The three-day festival featured a blend of indigenous sports, cultural showcases, and traditional food, drawing massive participation from across communities and states.
Organised by the Bodoland Territorial Region government and the Department of Tourism, the festival coincided with the Rongjali Bwisagu celebrations and concluded on the last day of Choitra month, April 14, with the signature mass hill trekking event.
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“The festival is not just a celebration of our culture, but also a symbol of unity and identity for the people of Bodoland,” said Daobaisa Boro, Executive Member of BTR, who was present at the closing ceremony along with other dignitaries.
One of the highlights was the mass hill trekking event that saw thousands of people from diverse backgrounds scale the scenic Baukhungri Hill. The festival also hosted several competitions, including mountain bike cycling, hill trekking, indigenous games, and traditional food contests.
In the women’s hill trekking competition, Sabina Rai and Shyamali Singh from West Bengal secured the first and second positions, while Sangmir Terongpi from Karbi Anglong stood third. In the men’s category, Vivek Chetry (West Bengal) clinched first place, followed by Lapynkhraw Thabah and Jemon Makri from Meghalaya.
Cycling competitions were held for both men and women, and winners were honoured during a grand prize distribution ceremony attended by senior officials and festival visitors. “This is my first time here, and I’m amazed by the scale of the event and the enthusiasm of the participants,” said a visitor from Meghalaya.
Cultural performances representing various ethnic communities, along with traditional food exhibitions including the preparation of Gwkha-Gwkhwi (hundred-herb dish) and *Jwo Bidwi* competitions, added a rich cultural dimension to the festival.
Bodo Sahitya Sabha President Dr. Surath Narzary and former BTR Executive Member Reoreoa Narzihary were also present at the closing function. Organisers and volunteers were seen working tirelessly to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
Widely regarded as the biggest cultural festival in Bodoland, the Baukhungri Festival continues to grow in popularity and scale, reaffirming its role as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, community bonding, and tourism promotion.
