Assam: Rito Riba's romantic concert wows thousands in Boko

The Boko field witnessed a spectacular convergence of culture, recognition, and musical magic as the Bogai committee celebrated its silver jubilee cultural evening with a two-day extravaganza. The festivities, which included a cultural rally, state-level arm wrestling, and special awards, reached a crescendo on Monday with a soul-stirring concert by the acclaimed singer Rito Riba from Arunachal Pradesh.

The celebrations kicked off on November 26 with a vibrant cultural rally, where participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds showcased their unique costumes, adding a kaleidoscope of colors to the event. The state-level arm wrestling competitions for both men and women brought out the spirit of sportsmanship and athleticism.

The cultural evening unfolded with Tankeswar Rabha, the Chief Executive Member of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, inaugurating the stage. Renowned journalist Manoj Kumar Goswami, while unveiling the 'Bogai' souvenir, emphasized the significance of such events, stating, "An event like Bogai is very necessary for a caste because these small festivals serve as the flesh and blood of a caste. Such festivals are needed to keep the blood flowing in the arteries of the nation."

The silver jubilee celebrations also witnessed the presentation of special awards in various sectors. Notable among them were the 'Bogai Pabitra Patowary State Agriculture Award 2023,' awarded to Sarat Baruah from Sonitpur District, and the 'Bogai Social Award 2023,' bestowed upon Durgaprasad Sharma from Boko. The 'Bogai Cultural Award 2023' honored internationally renowned filmmaker Rima Das, while the 'Bogai Sports Award 2023' recognized Gilberson Sangma, a former footballer from Guwahati.

The cultural evening on November 27  featured art and costume competitions for children, boys, and girls from various parts of Assam. Traditional dances, including Bodo, Rabha, and Bihu, enthralled the audience, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The festivities reached a grand finale with a captivating concert by famous singer Rito Riba, leaving thousands of spectators from Assam and Meghalaya spellbound.