Assamese Festival

Golden Langur Festival In Assam At Kakoijana Reserve Forest

The Golden Langur Festival is one of Assam's most unique eco-cultural festivals, celebrated annually in the Kakoijana Reserve Forest near Abhayapuri in Bongaigaon district. Organized in the first week of January, this festival is dedicated to creating awareness about the Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), one of the rarest and most endangered primate species in the world, while also showcasing the vibrant cultural traditions of western Assam.
Golden Langur Festival In Assam At Kakoijana Reserve Forest festival in Assam

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History & Traditions

Golden Langur Festival in Assam: A Celebration of Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation

Held amidst the lush green landscape of Green Chautaki, the festival blends wildlife conservation, community participation, music, adventure, and responsible tourism into a single immersive experience. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant platform for environmental education and sustainable tourism in Assam.

Why the Golden Langur Festival is Organized

The primary objective of the Golden Langur Festival is to promote conservation awareness about the Golden Langur, whose habitat is limited to a narrow geographical belt in Assam and Bhutan. Habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and human interference have severely threatened the survival of this species.

The festival helps:

  • Educate visitors about the ecological importance of the Golden Langur

  • Promote community-based conservation efforts

  • Support the proposal to upgrade Kakoijana Reserve Forest into a Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Encourage eco-tourism as an alternative livelihood for local communities

By bringing conservationists, researchers, photographers, tourists, and locals together, the festival creates a strong collective voice for wildlife protection.

Golden Langur and Its Natural Habitat

Also known as Gee's Golden Langur, this primate is found within a region bounded by the Brahmaputra River, Manas River, Sankosh River, and the Black Mountains of Bhutan. In India, nearly 93 percent of the Golden Langur population is concentrated in Ripu and Chirang Reserve Forests under Raimona National Park, parts of western Manas National Park, and a few isolated forest fragments including Kakoijana Reserved Forest.

Kakoijana Reserve Forest, spread across 17.24 sq km, is home to around 600 Golden Langurs, making it one of the most important habitats for the species outside protected national parks.

Location of the Golden Langur Festival

The forest lies close to human settlements, making community participation a key element of conservation efforts.

When is the Golden Langur Festival Celebrated?

The Golden Langur Festival is organized every year in the first week of January. The exact dates are officially announced around three months in advance.

January is also an excellent time to visit due to pleasant weather and increased chances of spotting Golden Langurs during early morning hours.

Major Attractions of the Golden Langur Festival

The festival offers a rich mix of cultural, adventure, and educational activities:

  • Traditional Assamese folk dances and music

  • Live music concerts featuring renowned artists from multiple genres

  • Art and craft exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts

  • Food festival highlighting Assamese and tribal cuisine

  • Wildlife safaris and guided forest walks

  • Bird watching and nature photography

  • Adventure activities like zip lining, ATV rides, paintball, rappelling, and hot air ballooning

  • Skill development workshops and conservation seminars

  • Short film screenings and photography competitions

  • Fashion shows, bodybuilding competitions, and freestyle performances

The evening music concerts remain the most popular attraction, drawing large crowds every year.

Activities at the Golden Langur Festival

Some of the most popular on-ground experiences include:

  • Campsite stays with bonfire

  • DJ and electronic music nights

  • BMX, skateboarding, and bike stunt shows

  • Freestyle football and beatboxing

  • Riders meet and motocross events

  • Children's activity zones

  • Photo booths and selfie zones

  • Local sightseeing tours and village visits

  • Camping under forest supervision

Ticket Price of Golden Langur Festival

  • Regular Pass: Rs 100

  • VIP Pass: Rs 1000

Ticket prices are kept affordable to encourage maximum public participation.

Best Time to Spot Golden Langurs

While the festival is held in January, Golden Langurs can be spotted throughout the year in Kakoijana.
The best time for sightings is early morning, preferably before 9 AM, when the langurs are most active.

Accommodation and Hotels Near Bongaigaon

Temporary festival campsites are arranged for visitors, including options for couples and solo travelers.
For comfortable stays, Bongaigaon town offers several hotels, with Hotel Himalaya being a popular choice among tourists.

How to Reach Bongaigaon

By Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, located about 180 km away. Taxis and trains are easily available from Guwahati.

By Train: New Bongaigaon Railway Station (NBQ) is a major railway junction with excellent connectivity to all parts of Northeast India.

Importance of the Golden Langur Festival

The Golden Langur Festival stands as a model example of how culture, conservation, and tourism can coexist. It not only protects an endangered species but also empowers local communities and introduces visitors to the ecological richness of Assam.