Assam: Baukhungri Festival 2025 kicks off with cultural splendor and sacred spirit in Kokrajhar

The 12th edition of the Baukhungri Festival kicked off on Saturday with vibrant traditional energy at the foothills of the sacred Baukhungri Hill near Harinaguri in Kokrajhar. Organized by the BTC Tourism Department, the three-day festival is a celebration of Bodo culture, spirituality, and age-old traditions.
 

Held in sync with the auspicious Sankranti, the festival marks a significant spiritual journey as thousands of devotees are expected to trek up the Baukhungri Hill on April 14 to seek blessings from Lord Bwrai Bathou, praying for good health and the fulfillment of their wishes.

The festival was officially inaugurated by Dharma Narayan Das, Executive Member of the BTC Tourism Department, who opened the main entrance, setting the tone for a cultural extravaganza. The event features a lineup of traditional Bodo sports like Khomlainai (Bodo wrestling), Ghila Gelenai, Dongfang Bufunai, and Daobo Athing, alongside cycling races and indigenous games that highlight the community’s vibrant athletic heritage.

Visitors to the festival are treated to a range of traditional Bodo delicacies available at numerous food stalls, while cultural performances from multiple ethnic groups add color and unity to the celebrations, showcasing Bodoland’s cultural diversity.

The opening day saw the attendance of several prominent leaders and dignitaries including Dabaisa Boro (EM, Sports Department, BTC), Ranjit Basumatary, Dhanjay Basumatary, Member of Parliament Rwngwra Narzary, and local MLA Lawrence Islary.

More than just a cultural event, the Baukhungri Festival is a vital platform for preserving indigenous traditions, fostering community unity, and promoting tourism across the Bodoland Territorial Region. The sacred trek on Sankranti remains the spiritual heart of the festival, drawing pilgrims from across Assam and beyond.