06/08/2025
Dimasa Students’ Union Expresses Strong Displeasure Over Unauthorized Rituals by Bodo Group at Rajbari, Dimapur
| The Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU) has expressed strong dissatisfaction and concern over recent reports of unauthorized traditional rituals and puja offerings conducted by a group from the Bodo community at the historically significant Rajbari archaeological site in Dimapur, Nagaland. The DSU alleges that these rituals were performed without the prior knowledge or consent of the Dimasa people, who regard Rajbari as a highly sacred and cultural landmark.
In an official press note, the DSU emphasized that Rajbari is not just an archaeological site, but the cultural and spiritual heartland of the Dimasa Kingdom and its people—the descendants of Bhima’s son, Ghatotkacha. The DSU highlighted that rituals of a religious or ethnic nature conducted at Rajbari without proper consultation disrespect the heritage and sentiments of the Dimasa community.
“It is highly unfortunate that such a site so deeply embedded in the indigenous identity of Dimasas has been used in such a manner, without due process or respect for our traditions,” stated Pramith Sengyung, General Secretary of the DSU Central Committee.
The Union outlined three primary demands in its memorandum:
1. Immediate investigation and identification of the individuals or group involved in the unauthorized rituals.
2. Implementation of protective measures to prevent unauthorized activities at Rajbari in the future.
3. Protection of Rajbari, recognizing it as a sacred heritage site of the Dimasa Kingdom, with due respect to the community’s historical ownership and consent.
The DSU further called upon government bodies, community groups, and concerned citizens to join in safeguarding the cultural and spiritual significance of Rajbari. The Union stressed that respecting the sanctity of ancestral legacies is crucial for maintaining peace and preserving cultural heritage in the region.
“We will not allow ignorance or overreach to tarnish the sanctity of our ancestral legacies,” the press note concluded.
Officials from the Bodo community have yet to issue a formal response on the matter. Meanwhile, DSU has sought concrete steps from authorities to address these concerns and avert potential inter-community tensions.