Boko gears up for grand silver jubilee celebration of Bathou Puja along Assam-Meghalaya border

The sacred Bathou Puja, one of the most significant religious observances of the Bodo community, will be celebrated with renewed fervour on January 27 and 28 at Kathalpara village in Boko, along the Assam–Meghalaya border, as the village marks 25 years of the annual ritual. Preparations are underway to commemorate the occasion as a Silver Jubilee celebration, reflecting both cultural continuity and communal harmony.

According to Jitu Boro, General Secretary of the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee, the two-day observance will feature a vibrant and culturally rich programme. The event is expected to be graced by Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Chief Hagrama Mohilary and Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tankeswar Rabha, along with several other prominent personalities. A series of cultural performances showcasing indigenous traditions will also form a key part of the celebrations.

Jitu Boro further stated that Kathalpara village, home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, has witnessed collective participation and cooperation in the preparations. He expressed happiness over the active support and guidance extended by members of the Garo, Rabha and Gorkha communities, highlighting the spirit of inter-community harmony and shared cultural respect that defines the celebrations.

Bathou Puja is traditionally observed on the second Tuesday of the Assamese month of Magh and holds deep spiritual significance for the Bodo people. The ritual centres on the worship of the Sijou plant, through which prayers are offered to the five elements of nature—earth, water, fire, sky, and air—seeking peace, prosperity and collective well-being.

The Bodo community believes that the Sijou plant has existed since the creation of the world, symbolising life, balance and the cosmic order. In keeping with this belief, the Sijou plant is ritually worshipped every year during Bathou Puja as an integral part of Bodo religious and cultural identity.