One Day in Khujigara Village

The refreshments were Bengali bananas and coconut water.

I can't recall the last time I felt such contentment from such a simple spread.

They couldn't manage anything more. It wasn't available in their home. Hard to believe? Perhaps not, but this is the truth. Much darkness still escapes the light of our vision.

Yes, you can still find such marginalized people in this country. Yesterday I visited just such a village. Going to see the white clay hills of Bijoypuhr, I encountered some people with hearts of white clay.

Whether I want to accept it or not, many people love me. Though I don't fully understand the source of this love, I have no doubt about its existence.

Just before boarding the boat on the banks of the Someswari River, returning from Zero Point in Bijoypuhr, a wonderful boy named Antar came running frantically. Knowing I would visit Bijoypuhr, he had told his friend: when Sushantadada gets off the boat, call and let me know.

The friend was waiting at the ghat, saw me disembark, and informed Antar. After searching several places, he found me in front of the BGB camp. He belongs to the Hajong indigenous community. Learning through conversation about my interest in indigenous culture, he invited me to visit his village. I gladly agreed.

Bijoypuhr is a magnificent place. After touring various spots, I went to Antar's village in the evening. Khujigara village in Kullagara Union on the Durgapuhr border of Netrakona. Sixty-five Hajong families live in the village. The villagers are terribly poor. Life has only dealt them blows. While we bustle about arranging comfort, they hesitate over the necessities of survival.

With very short notice, several girls from the Hajong indigenous community put on colorful pathins and prepared for traditional dance. "Pathin" is the dress of Hajong indigenous women. Without any rehearsal, they danced beautifully in our honor. Such innocent harmony between the melody of songs and the rhythm of dance made that evening shimmer! That beautiful golden dusk, what enchanting bonds it wove...

At Birishiri Cultural Academy, I might have enjoyed well-organized, polished Hajong dance, but I don't know how much of that heartfelt village atmosphere I would have found there, along with the artists' unpracticed joy. Simple naturalness brings great happiness. Those who know how to mingle with pure hearts—finding their companionship is truly a matter of fortune. When I find someone who can offer friendship without any gain, calculation, or expectation in mind, I melt like wax... I wander in the footsteps of simple people.

I will remember the sincerity of Khujigara village's residents. The respect Antar Hajong showed me was completely selfless...heartfelt. The simplicity, sincerity, and hospitality of the Hajongs filled me with boundless wonder. Indigenous people still believe in human love. After the dance performance, I found pure joy talking with the village residents.

I may forget many grand arrangements, but I will remember yesterday's precious gathering. I came to Birishiri on the invitation of my dear colleague Sajib. This simple man belongs to the Garo indigenous community. Through his kindness I was first introduced to Garo culture; now through Antar's heartfelt invitation, I've gained some acquaintance with Hajong culture. There will be more ahead, I hope in my heart.

Durgapuhr-Kolmakanda has drawn deep lines of love in my heart. Nature has revealed herself here through countless offerings. Come here to spend some time talking with your soul—you'll find it beautiful. The love and simplicity of the people here will surely enchant you! May the endless bells of contentment ring in everyone's heart...

(I still wish to write more about this journey.)