The culture of Goalpara district is a rich tapestry woven with multi color yarns of heritage of all the races that inhabit the diatrict. The perfect fusion of heritage of tribes and sub-tribes have made Goalpara the home of the most colourful festivals which are passionate, compelling and mesmerizing.
The major festival celebrated n Goalpara are Bihu, Baishagu, Baikho, Wangala. However, the people of Goalpara district also celebrate Durga puja, Diwali, Idd, Muharam, the birth and death anniversaries of the Vaishnava saints Sri manta Sankardev and Madhav Dev
Bihu is one of the major festivals of the district. Irrespective of caste, creed and religion, Bihu is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. Rangali Bihu, the spring festival is celebrated during mid April . It is a festival of colour, creativity and joy. It marks the beginning of the agricultural season. The mood of spring is celebrated with bihu dance one of the unique art forms of India, with the accompaniment of lusty wild beats of the drum along with indigenous instruments like buffalo horn . Young boys and girls, clad in golden Muga silk dance to the tune of seductive bihu songs woven around the themes of love and passion. It is a rare experience for people living in other parts of the globe.
Baishagu :
Charming, for its myriad of colour and merriment, Baishagu is generally celebrated by Bodo Kocharis during mid April. It is the most colorful festival of the Bodo tribe. The Bodos also celebrate it as springtime festival at the advent of New Year. The supreme deity ‘Bathou’ or Lord Shiva is worshipped during these days by offering him chicken & rice bear. During the days of festival young boys and girls dance together.
Baikho :
There is another colorful tribe in Assam known as Rabhas, Although the Rabha community does not have any major festival of their own, the different groups celebrated during the spring season in order to appease the goddess of wealth ‘Baikho’.
ome Rabha dances of the district are FARKANTI FUSAKAY, HAMJAR FUSAKAY, GIRKAY FUSAKAY etc. According to legend the origin of the “Farkanti” is like that in olden days the Rabhas for their existence had fight with other groups of people in which, they lost their men and the death of the warriors were remembered in traditional ways and ritualistic manner by a community get together followed by folk music and dance.
The agriculturist Rabhas, in their traditional way of life, begin their works on farm land by celebrating a special community festival known as “Hamjar”
Girkay is a group dance of youths performed on the full moon night in the month of Bahag (mid April) for giving alms and for marry making.
Durga Puja:
Durga Puja is celebrated popularly and widely. Pandals, decorated with lights, sculptures and other art forms are created. After Bihu, Durga Puja is the most popular festival of Goalpara.
Eid:
Muslims will often visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. Women, especially younger girls, will often apply the traditional Mehndi, or henna, on their hands and feet and wear colourful bangles.Some popular places for Muslims to congregate to celebrate Eid Namaz at this time.
Christmas day:
. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes.
