A CORRESPONDENT
DUDHNOI: The three-day long Baikho Festival brought to light the rich cultural heritage of the Rabha tribal people. Some youths played with the fire, someone walked over the fire barefoot. This is a scene from the traditional Baikho festival of the Rabha community. The Rabha people worship Goddess Baikho. To please the Goddess, the 'Baybras' (dancing people) dance on fire for several days to worship the Goddess by performing puja with various rituals.
The dance on fire is called 'Bar Nakkai' in the Rabha language. The festival is being celebrated with a three-day programme in West Dairang, Krishnai. The festival is celebrated to increase agricultural production and to protect the crops from diseases. Eminent actor and theatre artist Pabitra Rabha was present at the Baikho festival celebration.