A two-day seminar on “Traditional Systems of the Rabha Community – Change and Continuity"

A two-day seminar on “Traditional Systems of the Rabha Community – Change and Continuity” was successfully organized on October 25–26, 2025, at Bikali College, Dhupdhara, in collaboration with the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC), Guwahati. The event brought together scholars, students, and community representatives to discuss, document, and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Rabha community.The inaugural session, held on October 25, began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by a welcome address by Dr. Monalisha Roychaudhury, Principal (i/c) of Bikali College. Prof. Shiela Bora, Director of VKIC, Guwahati, delivered the inaugural address emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous traditions. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Upen Rabha Hakacham, who spoke on the changing dimensions of Rabha traditional systems. The session also featured a captivating performance of Rabha folk instruments. Presentation of Panchana-a mourning song and a story depicted by Sri Dwijen Rabha by Dr Bulumoni Rabha made everyone.

Technical sessions over both days witnessed insightful paper presentations on various aspects of Rabha culture—ranging from traditional attire, folk songs, and musical instruments to indigenous governance and belief systems. The sessions were chaired by eminent academicians including Prof. Upen Rabha Hakacham, Dr. S.N. Deori, and Prof. Shiela Bora.

Presence of Smt Seema Rekha Bhuyan, Retired IAS officer and Sri Mahesh Ch Bora enriched the Program.

An exhibition of precious collection of Arms, Fishing traps, hunting traps, headgears, Masks, cooking vessels, ornaments, musical instruments, agricultural instruments, wood art and weaving motifs of Rabha artefacts was inaugurated by Shri Radha Charan Rabha, President of the Governing Body of Bikali College. He highlighted the value of such artefacts as living testimonies of cultural identity. The cultural segments of the program, including Bharigan, Farkanti, Sathar, and Ojapali performances, enthralled the audience and showcased the vibrancy of Rabha performing arts and Students of Bikali College.

The valedictory session on October 26 featured concluding remarks by Sri Hanumantrao ji All India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra, who appreciated the collaborative spirit of Bikali College and VKIC in organizing the event and appealed to highlight on the commonalities and focus the differences and uniqueness of the community. Dr Monalisha Roychaudhury expressed the efforts must continue and Bikali College is committed for the continuum of the cultural legacy to next generation. The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Alakagauri Joshi, State Organiser, Vivekananda Kendra.

The program was convened by Shri Amal Rabha, Assistant Professor of Bikali College, with Smt. Meera Kulkarni (VKIC) and Dr. Rakhee Naiding (Bikali College) as co-convenors. The event was supported by the the Governing Body of Bikali College.