From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 26: The 29th Pabuni Festival of the Koch community was celebrated with traditional fervor on Sunday at Chenga-Benga, Gandhipara, South West Garo Hills. The event was organised by the Meghalaya Koch Association in collaboration with the Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union (MKSU).
The programme began with the hoisting of the flag by the President of the Meghalaya Koch Association, followed by the Pabuni Puja performed by the Deusi (priest), invoking blessings from traditional and primitive deities of the Koch community. The rituals were conducted for prosperity, good health, and protection of cattle.
Rangsakona MLA, Subir Marak attended the festival as the chief guest. Guests of Honour included Sanjay Koch, MDC of Betasing, and Pramod Koch, MDC of Barengapara, along with other dignitaries and community leaders.
Pabuni, an important traditional festival of the Koch community, marks the Assamese New Year (Baishakh) and symbolises the welcoming of a new year. Villagers gathered at the Pabuni temple dressed in traditional attire and offered rice cakes and local liquor as part of the rituals.
The celebration also featured traditional songs and group dances accompanied by instruments such as drums, flutes, and buffalo horns, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere. The festival served as a social platform where young boys and girls interacted and formed relationships.
During the festival, along with the main deity Pabuni Wai, other deities such as Shitoli Wai (health), Katuli Wai (knowledge), Churaburi Wai (earth), Barota Wai (hunting), and Bangal Wai (cattle) were also worshipped. A common prayer was offered seeking blessings for abundant crops and livestock in the coming year.
The festival witnessed active participation from villagers and highlighted the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Koch community.
