Assam: Bathou Puja of the Bodo community celebrated with fervour at Boko’s Kathalpara

The Bathou Puja, a sacred religious festival of the Bodo community centred around the worship of Bathou Bwrai, the supreme deity symbolised by the sacred Sijou plant, was celebrated with traditional fervour at Kathalpara, along the Assam–Meghalaya border in Boko, marking the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of the Kathalpara Bathou Samiti.

The two-day celebration began on January 27, with the performance of traditional rituals, including the planting of the sacred Sijou tree, lighting of lamps and incense, offering of prayers, and distribution of prasad.

Several prominent personalities attended the programme, including Bishnu Basumatary, President of the South Kamrup District Bathou Mahasabha; Mrigen Saraniya, Mayor of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation; and Arjun Chettri, Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Bishnu Basumatary highlighted the religious and cultural significance of Bathou Puja, stating that the festival plays a vital role in preserving the identity and traditions of the Bodo community. He also offered prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity for people across the world.

Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mayor Mrigen Saraniya said that both the Assam government and the central government have been working consistently for the welfare and development of tribal communities. He noted that to facilitate the observance of Bathou Puja, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared January 17 a state holiday, allowing members of the Bodo community to celebrate the festival in an organised and peaceful manner.