Assam: 26th Bogai cultural evening commences on grand note, honours legacy of Bogai Kingdom

The 26th Bogai Cultural Night at Boko, Assam, commenced on a grand note Saturday, November 30 with former Deputy Commandant of ULFA-I, Monoj Rabha, also known as Drishty Rajkhowa, inaugurating the event. The occasion celebrated the rich history of the Bogai Kingdom and honored four individuals for their remarkable contributions to various fields.  

Hriday P. Mahanta, Working President of the Bogai Committee, highlighted the evening's cultural vibrancy, featuring performances by Guwahati’s indie-rock band Bound Morphemes, West Bengal's Marmita Mitra, and the renowned Assamese comedian Siddharth Sharma, popularly known as KK. The Bogai Khetro grounds in Boko came alive with traditional cultural showcases and modern acts alike.  

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of clay lamps by senior journalist Sushil Patowary. Distinguished attendees included Siddharth Goswami, Chief Executive Officer of Kamrup Zila Parishad, and RHAC Executive Member Sumit Rabha, among others.  

In his inaugural address, Monoj Rabha revisited the glorious history of the Bogai Kingdom, narrating how the region, once under the feudal lord Ew Maina Singh, later flourished during the reign of King Baga Singh. He emphasized the area’s cultural legacy, reflected in enduring traditions such as Hanaghora, Kalighora, and Jarighora. Rabha also recounted how a descendant of the Bogai Kingdom, Ronda J. Sangma, joined Srimanta Sankardev’s Vaishnavite movement, leaving a profound cultural and spiritual legacy.  

"The descendants of the Bogai Kingdom continue to be revered in the Boko-Chaygaon area. Efforts like the formation of the Bogai Cultural, Social, and Sports Organization 26 years ago ensure the preservation of this rich heritage. It’s imperative to foster growth in the cultural, social, and sporting domains," Rabha said, urging the community to uphold these traditions.  

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of four awards recognizing exemplary contributions:  
Bogai Pabitra Patowary Agriculture Award 2024: Daisy Daimary (Baniyabhitha village, Boko)  
Bogai Social Award 2024: Jatin Pathak (renowned social worker, Boko)  
Bogai Cultural Award 2024: Palashbari’s film director and poet  
Bogai Sports Award 2024: Ranjit Das (Bondapara)  

Arjun Chetry, President of the Bogai Cultural Committee, praised the awardees and the community for their collective efforts in preserving the legacy of the Bogai Kingdom.  

The 26th Bogai Cultural Night served as a poignant reminder of the region’s vibrant history and the need to keep its cultural heritage alive for future generations.