Chokapara

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Chokapara is a small village under Lakhiganj Gaon Panchayat,1 some 7 km distance away from the Bilasipara town (Sub-divisional head quarter) in the Dhubri district of Assam, one of the eight sister states of North-East India. It is one of the very old revenue village of erstwhile Goalpara district. According to 2001 India census,2 Chokapara had a population of 1,148. Males constitute ~52% of the population and females ~48%.

The people of Chokapara basically speak Goalpariya, which is a dialect of Assamese. Their official language and medium of education are primarily Assamese or English. Chokapara has a primary school, named Chokapara Primary School (1962) and a Girls' High School. The village constitute both Muslims and Hindus of nearly equal percentage and they live harmoniously for decades. Until a decade ago, the people depended mainly on agriculture. Rice is the prinicipal crop grown for consumption as well as sale, although oil seeds, jute, vegetables and other cash crops are also widely cultivated. Now, the people, especially the younger generation is looking for newer avenues of livelihood. The new generation is inclined to business and higher education. As a result a number of Self-Help Groups (SHG), a DRDO scheme, are coming up and doing well.

Education holds a significant place in the culture of the village, with many of the residents being teachers at the local schools. Some of them are also working in various Government offices in Bilasipara or in nearby towns. The village is now producing some good lecturers, government servants, researchers, etc.

Sports and cultural activities, too, hold a special place in the village. Most popular sports in the village are cricket, football, badminton and kabadi. Until recently, the village possessed one of the best kabadi teams in the sub-division. Goalpariya folk song is very popular in the village. The people are moderately religious, they celebrate Bihu (national festival of Assam), Idd, Durga puja, etc. in geat spirit.


References

[1] http://www.drdadhubri.org/bl_gp_vill/gp_pg.asp?Block=BILASIPARA&GP=LAKHIGANJ&strID=20
[2] http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Population_Finder/Population_Finder.aspx?Name=Chokapara&Criteria=V