Kokrajhar, February 13: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Sonkosh Kherai Complex Infrastructure Development Project in Kokrajhar, announcing an allocation of ₹50 crore to develop the site into a major cultural and spiritual centre for the Bodo community. The project is aimed at preserving the rich heritage of the Bathou faith while promoting tourism and regional development in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
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| Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma during the Sonkosh Kherai Festival in Kokrajhar, where he announced ₹50 crore for the Sonkosh Kherai Complex. (Image: x.com/CMOfficeAssam) |
The announcement was made during the Chief Minister’s visit to the 11th Annual Sonkosh Kherai Festival and the 12th Annual Session of the Dularai Gudi Bathou Afad, the apex religious organisation representing followers of the Bathou faith. The annual festival, held near the banks of the Sankosh River, is one of the most significant religious gatherings of the Bodo community, where devotees assemble to worship Bathou, regarded as the supreme deity.
Addressing a large gathering of devotees and community leaders, Sarma said the proposed Sonkosh Kherai Complex would include permanent infrastructure such as prayer halls, community spaces, visitor facilities, and other modern amenities to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists visiting the sacred site each year.
The Chief Minister stated that the project reflects the Assam government's commitment to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of indigenous communities while ensuring sustainable development. He noted that improving infrastructure at important cultural landmarks would not only strengthen traditional institutions but also generate new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and employment in Kokrajhar and surrounding areas.
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During the programme, Sarma interacted with representatives of the Bathou community and reiterated the government's continued support for the socio-cultural aspirations of the people of the BTR. The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of devotees dressed in traditional attire, with performances of the sacred Kherai dance forming a central part of the religious celebrations.
The ₹50 crore Sonkosh Kherai Complex is expected to transform the historic site into a prominent destination for cultural tourism and spiritual pilgrimage. Once completed, the project is expected to play a significant role in preserving Bodo traditions while showcasing the region's unique heritage to visitors from across the country.
