Assam's 113rd Suwori festival celebrated with traditional dances and sports in Boko

The heritage-rich 113rd Annual Suwori Festival was celebrated at Suwori Field in Boko, Kamrup district, Assam. Hundreds of people from various places gathered to celebrate the festival on April 20, which is held annually on the 7th day of the Rongali Bihu Festival.
 

Boko, situated in the southern end of Kamrup district, is home to various indigenous communities, including Rabha, Bodo, Garo, Gorkha, Koch Rajbongshi, and people from other castes and communities.
 

‘Suwori' aims to showcase and propagate the rich cultural heritage of these diverse groups. Among the main attractions of the festival are 'Hana Ghora', 'Paro Bah', and traditional sports.
 

Deepak Kumar, the festival organizer, explained the significance of ‘Hana Ghora’. He said, “God Shiva, while traveling along his wife’s dead body, met the Hanas (Garo) people in this area. Along with God Shiva, Goddess Kali also came to the area on horseback. After their departure, the Hanas made a horse out of bamboo and cloth, which became famous as the Hana Ghora dance. Rabha-Kachari also performs this dance, which uses a 'Kodal' (spade) and drum. Before the dance, prayers are offered to the Goddesses along with offerings like chicken, wine, eggs, sendur, mustard oil, and the lik. Hana Ghora is always accompanied by two armed guards.”
 

He also described ‘Paro Bah’, saying, “‘Paro Bah’ was the younger sister of Hana Ghora. She also offered prayers and visited all the residences of the village. Paro Bah is made from a long straight bamboo wrapped in red and white cloth, with the body covered in black, white, and green cloth.”
 

The festival also featured various traditional sports, including tug of war, oiled bamboo climbing, a 100-meter race for boys and girls, horse and elephant races, along with performances of Bihu dance, Rabha dances such as ‘Farkanti’ and ‘Bogejari’, Boro dances like ‘Dhwimali’, ‘Mawsaglang’, and Garos’ ‘Wangala Dance’, along with Koch-Rajbongshi and Gorkhali dances.
 

Dr. Kamala Kanta Kalita, Chairman of the Assam Khadi and Village Industry Board, Former MLA of Boko LAC Jyoti Prasad Das, Members of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Sumit Rabha, Arjun Chetry, and many other dignitaries attended the day-long festival.