Bodo Harimu San 2026 begins in Assam's Kokrajhar, celebrates legacy of cultural icon Kamini Kumar Narzary

The three-day Bodo Harimu San 2026, a national festival of art and culture, commenced on November 7 at Tarang Jijiri Gelegra Fwthar in Haloadal, Kokrajhar, with traditional ceremonies, exhibitions and colourful cultural performances.

The festival is being organised to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Ostad Kamini Kumar Narzary, a legendary figure in Bodo art, music and culture.

The inaugural programme began with the inauguration of the main entrance gate by MLA Sewli Mohilary, followed by the hoisting of the festival flag by Shatrajit Narzary, president of the managing committee, and the Bodo Harimu Afat flag by its president, Susil Hazowary.

Floral tributes were paid to Ostad Kamini Kumar Narzary, led by his wife, Kumari Narzary, along with other dignitaries and participants, in recognition of his contributions to Bodo cultural heritage.

Kokrajhar District Commissioner Pankaj Chakraborty inaugurated a traditional Bodo house in the presence of MLA Rupam Ch. Roy, BTC Executive Members and other dignitaries.

Several exhibition stalls and cultural pavilions were also inaugurated as part of the festival. These included the Ostad Kamini Kumar Narzary Pavilion, an art exhibition, a traditional Bodo Sainasali, GI-tagged products, and stalls showcasing handloom, textiles, sericulture and agriculture.

A seminar chaired by Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Dr Mangal Sing Hazowary was held on the contributions of Ostad Kamini Kumar Narzary to Assam's cultural heritage and its international recognition.

A joint cultural demonstration featuring traditional performances by troupes representing different communities from across India was inaugurated by Dr B. Kalyan Chakraborty, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam.

The official festival mouthpiece, 'Harimu Aina', was released by Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Gopinath Borgoyary. A documentary on the life of Ostad Kamini Kumar Narzary and a biographical drama depicting his journey were also presented.

The inaugural day concluded with traditional music, folk dances and artistic performances.

The festival, being held from November 7 to 9, aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, indigenous traditions and performing arts of the Bodo community and other communities, while fostering cultural harmony and mutual understanding.