Mohghuli Chapori (Dhakuakhana) May 8: The much-anticipated and culturally significant folk festival of Dhakuakhana Phatobihu will commence tomorrow, May 9, and continue till May 11, 2025, at Mohghuli Chapori, situated on the serene banks of the river Charikodiya in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur district of Assam. The festival, a proud tradition dating back to the 16th century, continues to be celebrated with great fervour and devotion. Now considered the largest traditional and auspicious gathering in the region, Phatobihu is observed during the Assamese month of Bohag, aligning with the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month. This celebration is not just a festival, but a platform fostering love, unity and equality among people of all tribes and communities — a legacy from the royal dynasty. The word “Phat” signifies a place near a river or water body where trading and tax collection took place. Historically, during the Royal king’s rule, court officials travelled annually via waterways to this region. In their honour, the local populace began organizing a grand reception, the whole region was indeed transformed into a place for “merry-making and joy”. Happiness reigned over the region. Although the sole reason for this gathering was “to pay taxes”, yet, it was dominated by the festive mood of the commoners and thus “Phat” was transformed into “Bihu” celebration in the course of time evolved into what we now celebrate as ‘Phatobihu’.

The Phatobihu Udjapan Somity, under the aegis of Phatobihu Somity, is organizing this year’s celebration. with an exciting three-day lineup:

Major Programme Sequence:

May 9 (Friday):

✓ Morning: Flag Hoisting Ceremony followed by Smriti Tarpan.

✓ Afternoon:Toka Bihu

✓Evening: Chemonia Husori Bihu Competition.

May 10 (Saturday):

✓Morning : Kapouphul & tree plantation drive

✓ Traditional Gamusa Competition.

✓ Afternoon: Husori Bihu Competition ( For all tribes/communities).

✓Inauguration of the Annual Souvenir “Bihuwan” by Dr. Karabi Deka Hazarika, Renowned Literature, and former professor of Dibrugarh University.

May 11 (Sunday):

✓ Grand Cultural Rally, to be inaugurated by popular actress and dance artiste Megharanjani Medhi.

✓Mukoli Bihu Competition.

✓Open Forum & Culmination ceremony to be presided over by Basanta Saikia, President of Phatobihu Somity.

✓ Closing Ceremony with dignitaries including Ministers Bimal Bora and Dr. Ranoj Pegu, MLA, Naba Kumar Doley, Folklorist, Dinesh Gogoi, and AASU President Utpal Sharma and other dignitaries.

The celebration invites everyone to witness and partake in this rich heritage that unites generations and communities through rhythm, colour, and cultural pride.