Rabha society’s 63rd annual conference showcases culture, community pride in Assam’s Rangjuli

The 63rd Annual Conference of the Dudhnai Purvanchal Rabha Society, a key socio-cultural organisation of the Rabha community, concluded on Sunday, February 1, at the Kartik Chandra Rabha Kshetra in Rangjuli after a vibrant three-day programme that celebrated Rabha heritage, cultural identity and community achievements.

The conference venue wore a festive look throughout the event as members of the Rabha community arrived in traditional ethnic attire, transforming the Kartik Chandra Rabha Kshetra into a lively showcase of indigenous culture. A series of exhibitions were organised at the venue, featuring traditional Rabha huts, indigenous food items, ethnic garments, and ancient tools and artefacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the community’s rich cultural legacy.

Traditional Rabha cultural expressions remained at the heart of the celebrations, with performances such as Sathar, Hamjar, and other folk songs and dances drawing large audiences. One of the highlights of the conference was a special performance by Jatin Rabha of Agiya Tilapara village, who holds a place in the Worldwide Book of Records. Demonstrating extraordinary football skills, he impressed spectators by controlling the ball using his hands, mouth and even a pen, and by balancing it atop an 11-foot bamboo pole.

The open session of the conference saw the participation of several prominent personalities, including Tankeshwar Rabha, Chief Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Council; Pradip Timung, Deputy Commissioner of Goalpara district; noted writer and thinker Mayur Bora; Dr Subhash Rabha, General Secretary of the All Rabha Students’ Union; and Ananta Kumar Boro, President of the Goalpara District Boro Bardol. Office-bearers of various organisations and other eminent figures were also present.

During the open session, Bichitra Narayan Rabha, Adviser of the Dudhnai Purvanchal Rabha Society, and Dr Aparajita Rabha, Assistant Professor of Bikali College, were felicitated in recognition of their contributions. The occasion also marked the release of two publications—a souvenir titled “Mapak Sini Takam (Enajori of Harmony)” and a brief biography, “Kandari Purush Govardhan Chandra Sarkar.”

The successful conclusion of the conference reinforced the Rabha community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while strengthening social unity and collective identity.