Assam: Devotees walk barefoot over burning embers during traditional Usha Khuti Puja in Bokakhat

Hundreds of devotees from the Uria community of the Difalu Tea Estate in Bokakhat participated in the Shri Shri Usha Khuti Puja, an age-old ritual that embodies spiritual endurance and reverence toward ancestral traditions.

Known locally as the Shri Shri Maha Mahi Joni Usha Khuti Puja, the annual ritual has been observed by the Uria community for generations. It is dedicated to seeking divine blessings for the protection of nature, the welfare of humanity, and the prosperity of domestic life and livestock.

As part of the ceremony, devotees draw symbolic images of various deities at the sacred altar. The rituals begin in the evening and culminate before sunrise when participants, after offering prayers to Agni Devata (the Fire God), walk barefoot across burning embers—an awe-inspiring act that reflects their unwavering faith and inner strength.

Bokakhat MLA Atul Bora, attended the event and offered prayers for peace and prosperity. The minister lauded the community’s commitment to preserving traditional heritage and spiritual unity in the modern era.