Kamrup district, which connects Goalpara to the State capital Guwahati covers the eastern side, while on the western side lies Dhubri and South Salmara Makakachar districts Situated on the foothills of the Garo hills, Goalpara is covered with the greenery of Sal forests. Low hillocks are scattered across the topography with several beels (lakes) and rivers flowing from South to North before joining the mighty river Brahmaputra. Kuhumfula Beel (a form of wetland similar to a lake) situated at Dudhnoi has a unique shape resembling the shape of Assam when viewed from the top. Forest covers 18.48% of Geographical area (FSI, 2011) and houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. Climate is moderate in the district with foggy winter temperatures of a minimum of 7°C and maximum summer temperatures of about 36°C. South West Monsoon plays a vital role in the agrarian district.
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Annual rainfall of 2575mm mostly takes place from April to October. With a total population of 10,08,959, the languages spoken in the district are- Assamese, Bodo, Garo, Rabha, Hajong, Bangla and Nepali. Literacy rate is 67.37%. Major source of livelihood is agriculture with 34.90% being cultivators and 20.91% being agricultural labourers in the district (Census, 2011).
Goalpara town is the headquarter of the district. For the purpose of revenue and civil administration and developmental works, the district is divided into 5 Revenue Circles- Rangjuli, Dudhnoi, Matia, Balijana and Lakhipur and 8 Developments Blocks- Rangjuli, Kusdhowa, Matia, Balijana, Kharmuja, Lakhipur and Jaleswar. Connectivity to rural areas is increasing at a fast pace. There are four Legislative Assembly Constituencies- Dudhnoi (ST), Goalpara East, Goalpara West and Jaleswar. Goalpara district is part of Guwahati and Dhubri Parliamentary Contituencies.
The district is well connected through roadways and railways. The only railhead in Meghalaya at Mendipathar is connected through Dudhnoi junction. Nearest airport is LGBI Airport in Guwahati, 126KMs away from Goalpara town.
Pancharatna Ferry ghat is the major port of Goalpara district providing waterways connectivity to the district. Naranarayan Setu (bridge) has been constructed to provide faster ways of communication through road and railways. A small town Darrangiri, about 45KM South-East of Goalpara town is the gateway for export of Banana produced in Goalpara district and adjoining Garo hills districts through Darrangiri Banana Market, known to be the biggest Banana market in Asia.
Rangsapara, a village in Balijana Block has brought glory to the district, being judged as the cleanest village in Assam. Industrial Growth Centre at Matia is the hub for growth of industrialisation in the district, which is well connected through roadways and other necessary infrastructure.
#1 HISTORY & HERITAGE
Goalpara represents a smaller version of Assam in terms of heritage and religious beliefs. Remains of princely states remind us of the glorious days of history. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity and other local tribal beliefs co-exist here and presents a wonderful example of communal harmony.
SRI SURYA PAHAR
 |
| (An important archeological site of Assam) |
Spread over a huge area of about 15KM East of Goalpara town is an important archeological site of Assam that represents a unique confluence of three major faiths Buddhism, Brahmanical and Jainism. Large collection of rock cut stupas, figures and caves from 1st century BC to 12th century AD are found here. Remains of old temple site have also been found at the excavation site. Important findings of excavation are displayed in the museum maintained by Archaeological Survey of India near the entrance of the campus.
MESPARA RAJBARI (Lakhipur)
Mespara was the most glorious of all princely states in the past within the current geographical area of Goalpara district. Mespara estate has contributed greatly to overall development of the area. Prithwiram (Lakshinarayan) was the Jamindar who made Lakhipur permanent capital of Mespara and planed for Lakhipur town, about 44KM South-West of Goalpara town. The name of Lakhipur town was derived from his name. The first school of Goalpara district was founded under the support and encouragement of Mespara and was named Prithwi Ram High School (present day PR Govt HS School).
DODAN MANDIR
 |
| (Dodan Mandir, Baida, Goalpara) |
Dodan Veer was the General of King Bana of Sonitpur. After the great fight of Harihar war, Dodan decided to shift to Southern bank of Brahmaputra and conquered several small states with his accompanying soldiers. King Dodan started Baikho puja to worship deities which has become customary now among the
Rabha community. He fought his last war at Fedardoba and later
a temple was set up near this place at Baida.
VEER PARSHURAM (SITE)
 |
| (Veer Parshuram Site, Solmari, Goalpara) |
Veer Parshuram was the ruler of Sambhor state with capital near present day Solmari (Goalpara). He was a brave warrior and was effective in blocking food supplies brought from outside to Mughal armies stationed near Hajo, weakening the eastward invasion. Finally he lost his war with Captain Mirja Nathan at Kantabari Gendera war of 1619. A big pond and temple remains at this site.
PAGLARTEK SHIV MANDIR
 |
| (Paglartek Shiv Tample, Barbhita) |
Paglartek temple is situated on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river at Barbhita village, about 12KMs west of Goalpara town. The word ‘Pagla’ refers to lord Shiva here. Puja is performed here to Shivling inside rock cut cave. Shivratri is the main festival observed here.
MAA BANABASHI TEMPLE
 |
| (Maa Banabashi temple) |
Bhogo Fondi was expert in domesticating Elephants. He established Maa Banabashi temple in 1870s to worship the deities of the Fafal jungle near Dudhnoi. Banabashi, Giribashi and Neerbashi are the three goddesses worshipped here in the form of three earthen altars. Annual puja is performed during Basanti Puja. Deodhani is perfomed during the puja days.
NISHANGRAM CHURCH
 |
| (Nishangram Church Damra, Goalpara) |
American MIssionary Rev. Dr. Isachcar Joy Stoddard established the church at Damra in 1868. Later on Ramke W Momin shifted the church to Nishangram in 1872. It was the first church to be established in geographical area of Goalpara and played vital role in spreading Christianity in the neighboring areas It's situated in Nissangram, near Assam- Meghalaya border. A rural homestay has also come up near the church for visitors.
OLI-E KAMIL MOULANA SHAH SAYED NASIR UDDIN AHMED KADRI PIRBAR Oli-E Kamil Moulana Shah Sayed Nasir Uddin Ahmed Kadri Baghdadi Rah was a peer with miraculous powers born in Baghdad (Iraq). He spent several years in various locations in India and finally reached Jaleswar in 1905. He preached the Islamic faith and established Mosque, Madrassa, Male Musafirkhana and Female Musafirkhana. He died in 1935. His death anniversary is celebrated as Urush Mubarak from the 5th to 7th Magh of the Assamese calendar
DOLGOMA SATRA Dolgoma Mahapurushiya Satra is a premier centre of Vaishnavite religion, established in 1751 by Harmohan Thakur at Dolgoma, about 5KMs north of Matia. Dolgoma Satra has mention in ‘Katha Gurusorit’.
TUKRESWARI TEMPLE Believed to be one of the places where body parts of Sati (left thigh and tongue) had fallen while lord Shiva carried her on his shoulder, just like Kamakhya temple. The word Tukra is derived from that Tukura (part in Assamese). A troop of monkeys headed by king and queen is the distinctive feature of this temple. The priest offers ‘prasad’ to the monkeys and the monkey king is the first to accept it. The monkeys used to migrate to Sri Surya pahar in earlier times.
NANDESWAR PEET Nandeswar Peeth is located in a hillock near Matia on the northern bank of Dudhnoi river. Nandeswar refers to lord Shiva. This ancient temple finds mention in the ‘Kalika Purana’ composed in the 11th century. Shivratri is the main festival celebrated here.
AAI THAN Aai than is situated in Deoripara near Assam Meghalaya border, about 12 KMs South-West of Dudhnoi. There is a huge rock painted with a vermillion circle at the temple. Deodhani is performed during the annual Mela in the Assamese month of Puh. ‘Bhari gaan’ a Ramayani drama using wooden masks is performed during the Mela
DEREK BAPTIST CHURCH It was founded in 1868 at Balijana in the presence of 12 people including Rev. Dr. Miles Bronson, Rev. Dr. Isachcar Joy Stoddard (American MIssionaries) and Ramkhe W Momin. The church was shifted to Derek, 4KM south of Agia in the year 1888. Bhandra and Rangsapara churches are outstations of Derek church.
HAZARAT SAYED ABUL KASEM KHORASANI PEER MAJAR Peer sahib Hazarat Sayed Abul Kasem Khorasani was born in Khorasan, middle east in 1784. At an early age he gained expertise in Ismalic faith and Sufism. He arrived Goalpara in 1844 and started preaching in Goalpara and Krishnai. After he died in 1896, the majar has become a holy site for devotees of all faith, especially from the neighbouring areas
SRI SRI RAMCHANDRA BIGRAH A disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva, Rup Sardar of Rangjuli from the Garo community invited the Mahapurush to establish a temple at Rangjuli. Sankardeva deputed two of his disciples Bokul Bhuyan and Gopal Bhuyan and finally idol of Sri Krishna was installed in mid 16th century. After the 1897 great earthquake the temple was reconstructed with installation of idol of Sri Ram brought from Kasi by Umacharan Singha. Holi or deol is the annual festival celebrated here.
SHYAMRAI SATRA Shyamrai Satra is a premier centre of Vaishnavite religion established in 1755 at Goalpara town. The earthen lamp of the Satra was lit from Barpeta Satra at the time of establishment. The land of the Satra was donated by Mespara Jamindar
DHAKAIYA MOSQUE
Located on Boro Bazar area of Goalpara town.
OLD CIRCUIT HOUSE
ASSAM CLUB
Assam club was established in Goalpara in the year 1912.
DISTRICT LIBRARY
Established in 1958 in the heart of the Goalpara town. It has the largest
collection of Books and periodicals in the district.
FESTIVALS
- Celebrations Galore
BAIKHO PUJA
Baikho Puja is celebrated by the
Rabha community. It is celebrated
to propitiate the deity of wealth
for abundance. Dances around
the fire along with the beats of
traditional drums engulf the
entire atmosphere during the
festival.
BATHOU PUJA
Bathou Puja is observed by the
Bodo community
DUSSEHRA
Dussehra is celebrated in Rangjuli
with a 60-65 ft effigy of Ravana. It is
lit every year to celebrate good over
evil.
EID
Eid is celebrated with great pomp
and joy at Iddgah, Goalpara town
A GEO
-
GRAPHICAL
SKETCH
Nature has crafted Goalpara district in a wonderful way.
The north side is covered by the mighty Brahmaputra
River, while the south is bounded by the hills of Garo
hills districts of Meghalaya. The physiography is decorated with
scattered hillocks throughout the district.
AJAGAR HILLS
The largest hill in the district,
runs from Agia towards Tura in
Meghalaya. The mammoth size
and flora of the Ajagar hills has
considerable impact on climate of
the district. A number of villages
around the hill are fetched with
large number of streams for
sustaining livelihood. Ajagar hills
being the tallest in Goalpara,
offers several viewpoints
presenting mesmerizing views
of the landscape around. Amguri
viewpoit near Borjhora, about
9KM South-West of Agia offers
views upto Bongaigaon district
towards north.
HATIGAON WATERFALL
There are several streams flowing down from the Ajagar hills
and few assume the form of waterfalls. Two waterfalls at
Hatigaon, about 15KMs South-West of Bolbola are the most
prominent of these. Hatigaon waterfall has become a tourist
attraction in the past few years.
NOLONGA WATERFALL
Nolonga waterfall emerges from Nolonga hills, about 14 KMs
South-West of Makri. It is the tallest waterfall in the district
PANCHARATNA
HILLS
On the western side of Goalpara town
Pancharatna hills is a picturesque
location on the bank of the
Brahmaputra river and the highway
connecting Bongaigaon district.
HULUKANDA PAHAR
A small hillock adjoining the northeastern side of Goalpara town has
historial attachment to Goalpara.
‘Hulu’ is derived from ‘Holow’ which
means Hoolock gibbon. The first
educational institution of the district,
P R Govt HS School in the foothills of
Hulukanda pahar.
NOLBARI STATION VIEWPOINT
Nolbari Railway station is at Assam Meghalaya border
connecting Dudhnoi Junction with Mendhipathar, the only
railhead in Meghalaya. The top of the small hillock adjoining
the station offers wonderful sunset views.
DAMOL
Damol is a special type of earthen bund (barrier) traditionally
constructed along boundaries of households in Goalpara,
South kamrup and some parts of Garo hills districts. It is
constructed in layers and requires several years to attain full
height of about 5-6ft. Damol along with the accompanying
channel (termed Gor khawoi) has important role in in-situ soil
and water conservation.
The district is well covered with a large
network of rivers. The mighty Brahmaputra
flows through north boundary of the district
while Deosila, Dudhnoi, Krishnai, Jinari
and Jinjiram rivers criss-cross the district
transversely. Jinjiram river originates
in the Urpad beel while the remaining
rivers originate in the Garo hills. All these
tributaries flow from South to North to join
the Brahmaputra river
DEOSILA RIVER
Deosila is the easternmost river crossing
the National highway near Dhanubhanga.
Hohua is a popular picnic spot at upstream
of this river few KMs beyond the Assam
Meghalaya border.
DUDHNOI RIVER
Dudhnoi river flows through Dudhnoi town
and joins Krishnai river at Domoni, 4KMs
west of Matia before joining Brahmaputra
river.
KRISHNAI
RIVER
Krishnai river flows through
Krishnai town. River route
has been used effectively for
transportation of Bamboos
from upstream Garo hills
areas.
JINARI RIVER
Jinari river crosses the national highway
at Bolbola and feeds Urpad beel. At
downstream it passes through Dubapara,
the Sheetal Pati village of the district
before joining the Brahmaputra river.
JINJIRAM RIVER
Jinjiram river originates in the Urpad
beel, flows through Rongsai, Lakhipur and
Jaleswar to join the Brahmaputra river.
Large number of streams flowing out from
Ajagar hills join the Jinjiram river between
Agia and Rongsai. Jinjiram river was
strategically important for Mespara rajbari
in the past. Beels are wetlands with static
water. Goalpara district is bestowed with
a number of beels of various sizes. Urpad,
Kumri, Kuhumfula, Dhamar, Hasila are the
prominent beels.
URPAD BEEL
Urpad is the largest beel in Goalpara
district, covering a vast area East of
Solmari. Pink blanket of water lilies covers
the beel water during winter months A
large number of resident and migratory
birds are found here along with fish
resources. A watch tower with boating
facilities exist for tourists.
KUMRI BEEL
'Kumri beel lies adjacent to National
Highway at Pancharatna and feeds on
Brahmaputra waters during high flood.
Kumri beel is home to several migratory
and local birds. It offers beautiful sunset
views.
KUHUMFULA BEEL
Kuhumfula beel is a small beel to the East
of Dudhnoi town. The shape of the beel
resembles shape of Assam as viewed from
top. Sunset is mesmerizing here during
winter. The setting sun appears like egg
yolk (Kuhum in Assamese), hence the
name Kuhumfula. Annual fishing festival
is organised in the month of March every
year where 3-4 thousand fishermen
participate
BIO
DIVERSITY
- Gifted By Nature
Goalpara district has rich biodiversity
resources though there is no wildlife
sanctuary or national park in the
district. The hills, forests in plains and the beels
are home to huge species of flora and fauna.
Urpad beel and Kumri beel are two favourite
destinations of migratory water birds.
SAL FOREST
Goalpara, South Kamrup and adjoining Garo
hills districts have unique type of Sal forest
spread over large areas. Its a traveller’s delight
to travel through National Highways passing
through these forests.
FOREST FIRE
Sal is a deciduous plant and shed the leaves
during February-March, which takes very long
period to decompose. It’s a customary practice
to set the leaves lying on the forest floor on fire
which keep spreading and burning for hours.
TELEGRAPH PLANT
It’s a tropical Asian shrub known as Telegraph plant,
Dancing plant or Semaphore plant for it’s ability to move
small leaflets rapidly in response to sound.
ORCHIDS
Forests in Goalpara are home to large species of orchids
either growing on old plants (epiphytic orchids) or
on the soil (terrestrial orchid). Geodorum densiflorum
is a terrestrial orchid growing on the Sal forest floor.
Epiphytic orchids include- Aerides odoratum, Cymbidium
aloifolium, Papilionanthe teres etc
BLACK FRANCOLIN
It is a rare resident bird with a high pitched call that is audible from afar up to
about one kilometer and is locally called
Titir or Titirik. However, the dwindling
population of this rare species is a cause
of concern. Besides the National Parks,
the Black Francolin is probably found
only in Goalpara.
BARRED BUTTON
QUAIL
It is a small species of bird resembling
week-old chicks. Locally termed as Lodra
or Lodra Bati due to its round shape,
it can camouflage easily in very short
grasses
PHEASANT TAILED
JACANA
Pheasant tailed jacana is a
beautiful water bird found in
Naitara-Choutara beel, about
14KM North of Rangjuli. Urpad
beel is also home to this bird.
PACIFIC GOLDEN
PLOVER
Pacific Golden Plover is a
migratory bird of shore and
grassland which breeds in Alaska
and Siberia summers. It migrates
during non breeding season
GREYLAG GOOSE
Greylag Goose is one of the largest migratory birds found in Goalpara.
Urpad beel is the usual habitat during winter months.
INDIAN SPOT
BILLED DUCK
A beautiful resident bird found
in Brahmaputra river waters near
Paglartek temple.
LARGE TAILED
NIGHTJAR
Large Tailed Nightjar is a
nocturnal insect eating bird.
Mostly active during summer
nights, Nightjar keeps on flying
with calls throughout the night
collecting insects in its wings.
EURASIAN THICK KNEE
Eurasian Thick Knee is a summer migratory
bird from European countries. They prefer
open habitat.
COMMON POCHARD
Common Pochard is a migratory bird listed
as Vulnerable in IUCN Red list. Pochards
migrate from Europe during winter. They
are spotted mostly in Brahmaputra river
waters near Paglartek Temple
RED NECKED
KEELBACK
A number of snake species
are found in Goalpara district.
Red necked keelback is a
venomous species of these.
MONITOR
LIZARD
Various species of lizards
including monitor lizard,
Tokay gecko are found in
various locations of Goalpara
MELANISTIC GOLDEN
JACKEL
Melanistic Golden Jackel has been
recorded in Dudhnoi area.
ELEPHANTS
Goalpara district is rich in wild
Elephants. Large herds of wild
elephants are commonly observed
here. Elephants migrate from one
forest to another in search of food.
Ajagar hills has been known to be
the most common route for migration
to and from Meghalaya. Pancharatna
hills has been known to be breeding
place of Elephants
LEGENDS &
LUMINARIES
- Inspiring Generations
DODAN VEER
Dodan Veer was the General of King Bana of Sonitpur. After the
great fight of Harihar war, Dodan decided to shift to Southern
bank of Brahmaputra and conquered several small states with his
accompanying soldiers. King Dodan started Baikho puja to worship
deities which has become customary now among the Rabha
community. He fought his last war at Fedardoba and later a temple
was set up near this place at Baida.
VEER PARASHURAM
Veer Parshuram was the ruler of the Sambhor
state with capital near present day Solmari.
He was a brave warrior and was effective in
blocking food supplies brought from outside to
Mughal armies stationed near Hajo, weakening
the eastward invasion. He lost the Kantabari
Gendera war of 1619 to Captain Mirja Nathan.
His statue is erected at Solmari road junction.
MESPARA ZAMINDAR
PRITHWIRAM
(LAKSHINARAYAN)
(1822-1874)
Prithwiram (Lakshinarayan) was the Jamindar
who made Lakhipur permanent capital of
Mespara princely state and did town planning
of Lakhipur, about 44KM South-West of
Goalpara town. The name of Lakhipur town
was derived from his name. The first school
of Goalpara district was founded under his
support and encouragement and was named
Prithwi Ram High School (present day PR Govt
HS School).
NAGENDRA NARAYAN
CHOUDHURY
Grandson of Jamindar Prithwiram of
Mespara, Nagendra Narayan Choudhury
led the movement for Assamese language
in the Goalpara district during British
ruled period and published ‘Awahan’
magazine from Calcutta in 1929. He
was President of the 13th Asom Sahitya
Sabha session in 1931 at Sibsagar,
where ‘Rasaraj’ title was conferred to
Lakshminath Bezbaruah.
PRASHANNA KUMAR
GHOSH (1858-1915)
He played pivotal role along with
Jagannath Baruah and Manik Chandra
Baruah in establishing Assamese
language in the state through Assam
Association. He also contributed greatly
with Mespara Zamindar Bhola Nath
Choudhury in establishment of PR Govt
HS and MP school in Goalpara, the first
school in the district.
RAJEN PAM
(1928-1998)
Born in Chotomatia village,
10KM South-West of Dudhnoi,
Rajen Pam made significant
contributions in the field of
music along with literature
and drama. He worked on folk
music of Rabha community and
received prestigious Sangeet
Natak Akademi award in 1989
under Tribal Music category.
He was a Silpi Pensioner of
Directorate of Cultural Affairs,
Assam.
PADMASHREE DR. BIRUBALA RABHA (1949-)
Born in 1949 at the remote village of Thakurbila along Assam Meghalaya border, about 14KM South-West
of Agia, Birubala Rabha has been relentlessly fighting against superstitions and witch hunting, which led
to founding of Mission Birubala. She was nominated for Nobel Prize in Peace in the year 2005. Guwahati
University conferred her honorary Doctorate Degree in 2015. She was awarded with 4th highest Civilian
award of India, Padmashree in 2021 in the field of Social Work.
ASHRAFUL
HAQUE
(1968-2015)
Born in Goalpara in 1968
Ashraful Hoque studied at
National School of Drama. He
acted mostly in Hindi films. Took
part in about 30 films and also
in TV Serials. He acted in films
including- Talaash, Delhi Belly,
Black Friday, Deewar, Fukrey,
Jungle, Raavan etc.
ADIL HUSSAIN (1963-)
Born in Goalpara in 1963 Adil Hussain studied at National School of Drama. Besides the conventional
Bollywood movies, the versatile Adil Hussain has charted a splendid artistic journey through intense
portrayals in art house films and others of national and international fame. He received National Film Award
(Special Jury) in 2017 for Hotel Salvation and Maj Rati Keteki. He has acted in English, Hindi, Assamese,
Bangla, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, Norweigian and French films so far
JITEN DEKA
(1952-2015)
Kanthasurya Jiten Deka was born
in Harimura, about 7KMs North
of Krishnai. He was a regular
artiste of AIR and Doordarshan
and the most popular singer
of Assamese music born in
Goalpara district. He composed
more than 200 songs and ‘Mur
Xukula Ghora’ was the most
popular of his songs.
ANUKUL NATH
(1922-1950)
First radio artist of present
day Goalpara, Anukul Nath
was born in Bakaitari,
near Matia. He was a staff
artiste at Song Publicity
Division of AIR Shillong
during World War-II. He
shifted to Kolkata later
and produced several
Gramophone records.
SUKRACHARYYA RABHA (1977-2018)
Born in the village of Rampur, 5KMs West of Agia Sukracharyya Rabha studied theatre under Padmabhushan
H Kanhailal. He founded Badungduppa theatre group and started the prestigious theatre festival- Under the
Sal Tree amidst the greenery of Rampur. He received ‘Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for Direction in 2009
from Sangeet Natak Akademi. He was associated with several national and international organizations. He
was posthumously honoured with Doctor of Philosophy in 2018 by Gauhati University.
CONFLUENCE
OF CULTURES
- A Harmonious Coexistence
Goalpara district has a
vibrant and colourful
cultural landscape. Every
community has distinctive cultural
identity.
HAMJAR DANCE
Rabha community has several dance
forms. Hamjar is one of such dance
forms performed as reverence and
celebration of agriculture
BAGURUMBA DANCE
Bagurumba is a dance form of the
Bodo community performed during
Bwisagu and othrer occasions.
WANGALA DANCE
Wangala is a dance form of the Garo
community.
GOWALINI NRITYA
Gowalini Nritya is a dance form of the
Koch-Rajbongshi community.
JHUMUR NRITYA
Jhumur is a dance form of the Tea Tribes.
BIHU DANCE
Bihu dance is performed during Bohag Bihu.
BHARIGAAN
A Ramayani drama form of Rabha community. Wooden masks are used.
Hirapara, Khamari and Maslam are the only three villages having Bharigaan
team. 25 wooden masks of Hirapara Bharigaan Dol were made in 1895.
BADUNGDUPPA
Badungduppa Kala Kendra was established by Sukracharjya
Rabha at Rampur, 5KMs West of Agia. ‘Under the Sal Tree’ theatre
festival is organised by Badungduppa.
DHULIA PARTY
Dhulia party traditionally performed earlier during weddings in
major parts of the district. However, now they are replaced by
modern-day band parties.
CUISINE
- A Platter For The
Soul (Food Culture)
Every region has their own food story
and is identified with its specialties
and different ways of cooking.
Goalpara district is also synonymous with
many such delectable delicacies prepared
using locally available ingredients. One
of the distinctive features of such ethnic
food is the minimal or no use of oil and
spices. With locally available Ginger and
Chilli as the main ingredients, the curries
are mostly rice flour-based.
POITA BHAT
Cooked rice is kept soaked in water overnight
or for few hours. Fermentation occurs in the
rice and served with smoked fish, boiled potato,
boiled tomato etc. as per availability.
BAK.KAKA KHAJI (RABHA)
An important food item of marriage, festivals
etc., Bak.kaka khaji is prepared from Pork and
Pig blood with kol khar. Kol khar is alkali extract
from burnt dry banana peels and pseudostem.
DO.KAPA (GARO)
Chicken is cooked with khar and large quantities
of green chilli and ginger.
MINIL NAKAM BITCHI
(GARO)
Known to be highly demanding Garo
delicacy, Minil nakam bitchi is prepared
from sticky Rice and dry fish with lots
of green Chilli and Khar.
NA.MIKHI BAMCHI
(RABHA)
This curry is prepared using Fish/Crab
and fermented/fresh Bamboo shoot
with Rice flour. It is an important food
item among Rabha community.
NARZI JWNG
OMA (BODO)
This is prepared from tender
dry Jute leaves, Ginger, Chilli
and Khar with Pork. It has
little bitter taste.
TO.KAKA TUPAY BAMCHI
(RABHA)/DAO JWNG KHULTI
(BODO)
This curry is Prepared from Chicken with Black gram
or Dal and rice flour. Black gram is preffered over Dal.
WAK GALDA PURA (GARO)/
ONLA JWNG OMA (BODO)
Prepared from Pork and dry Roselle leaves powder
with Rice flour
JAKEP (GARO)
A pitha prepared from rice flour and Sesamum. Served with tea.
WANTI (GARO)
Synonymous to Joon pitha, Wanti is prepared using rice floor
and Sesamum. Served with Tea.
JONGA
In tribal societies Jonga is essential in
religious and social functions. Jonga is
traditionally prepared Rice beer. Cooked
Rice is mixed with herbally prepared
Bakhor (starter cake for fermentation)
and kept in earthen pot for several
days. Fermentation occurs in few days
depending on climatic condition. Once
the process is complete, a cylindrical
strainer is put inside vertically and
water is poured outside the cylinder.
Beer percolates inside the cylinder and
is collected using a small hollow Lau
(Bottle Gourd)
