The lush, rhino-rich landscapes of Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary are now echoing with the vibrant sounds of a new cultural celebration. On Friday, the sanctuary's periphery development committee officially launched the first-ever 'Haduk Mela', a three-day festival dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of Assamese heritage.
A Community-Driven Celebration of Culture
Set against the verdant backdrop of one of Assam's premier rhinoceros habitats, the festival is being held at the Asingia Playground within Pobitora. It derives its name from the Haduk Beel, a significant wetland located inside the sanctuary in Morigaon district. What makes this event particularly noteworthy is its grassroots origin. Range officer Pranjal Baruah emphasised that the festival was organised with the active involvement of local communities, without any financial aid from the forest department.
The primary goals are to enhance community participation and provide a substantial boost to the local economy. Residents from seven surrounding villages—Burha Mayong, Auguri, Hatigarh, Kholabhuya, Chonka, Raja Mayong, and Hadugpar—are the heart and soul of the event.
Showcasing Local Craftsmanship and Cuisine
The mela serves as a vital platform for artisans and producers who have long lacked a dedicated marketplace. Visitors can explore a diverse array of locally made textiles, intricate bamboo products, traditional jewellery, and authentic Assamese food items. The event is also enriched by a lively folk culture programme.
Baruah explained the critical need for such an initiative. "The locals residing around or within Pobitora are given training in making various items from materials found in the forest through workshops organised by the forest department. However, they could not get the right platform to sell those items," he said. "Hence, this community event provides an opportunity for bringing an alternative source of income for those villagers and using the earnings for their own development."
Aligning with Tourism and Future Hopes
This inaugural event is strategically timed with Pobitora's peak tourist season, which sees a significant surge in visitors between December and January. The sanctuary witnessed a notable rise in footfall, welcoming 34,535 visitors last year, up from 30,305 in 2023. "During the winters, the tourist footfall in the park increases almost by 50%, which is a blessing for them," Baruah noted. The mela aims to channel this increased attention toward the handiwork of the local community.
As this is the first edition, the organisers and communities involved are hopeful that the Haduk Mela will become a cherished annual affair. It stands not just as a festival, but as a sustainable model for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic growth, all nestled within the protective embrace of one of Assam's most important wildlife habitats.
