The inaugural Bodoland Mahotsav will showcase Assam's rich cultural heritage and tourism potential in the national capital on November 15 and 16, 2024, at the SAI Indira Gandhi Stadium. Centred on the theme “Ethos of Peace and Harmony, an Integral Part of Nation Building,” the event will present a colourful array of Bodoland’s cultural and historical highlights, such as its literature, language, traditional cuisine, and GI-tagged products.
Last month, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai awarded GI tags to eight traditional products from Assam, including various food items and rice beer varieties unique to the Bodo tribe, which is a significant acknowledgement of their cultural heritage.
The Bodo Traditional Brewers Association applied for GI tags for three distinct rice beer varieties made by the Bodo community -- the Bodo Jou Gwran which is known for having the highest alcohol content among Bodo rice beers, the Maibra Jou Bidwi which is traditionally made by fermenting partially cooked rice with limited water and Bodo Jou Gishi, another rice-based alcoholic drink, often consumed by the Bodo people for its medicinal properties.
During a curtain raiser press conference on Sunday in Delhi, the organizers expressed that showcasing Bodoland’s rich culture and traditions is vital, leading to the decision to bring the first-ever Bodoland Mahotsav to the national capital.
The event is being organized by the All Bodo Students Union, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Dularai Boro Harimu Afad, and Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha, with full support from the Bodoland Territorial Council administration.
Dipen Boro, President of the All Bodo Students Union, shared with the media that they have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the opening session on November 15 and are actively in contact with the PMO. The event also marks the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, a landmark achievement that has brought peace and prosperity to Bodoland following years of unrest.
The festival will honour the 73rd foundation day of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha with a grand cultural rally, discussions on Indigenous heritage, and perspectives on sustainable tourism. Special sessions will highlight opportunities for promoting Bodoland’s tourist attractions, including Manas National Park and the scenic landscapes along the Indo-Bhutan border.
Another session, titled "Challenges and Opportunities of Mother Tongue Medium of Instruction through the National Education Policy, 2020," is scheduled to include Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries from Assam. Additionally, discussions on "Indigenous Cultural Meet and Building a Vibrant Bodoland Region through Culture and Tourism" will take place, with DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia attending as the Chief Guest.
"It is to be mentioned that with the promotion of tourism and culture of Bodoland region, the organisers and council government are trying to uphold the economy of the region attracting national and international tourists to witness and taste the rich bio-diversity of Manas National Park, Raimona national park, the pristine natural beauty of Indo-Bhutan Border," said the organisers in a statement.