Kokrajhar, Jan. 21: The three-day 51st Annual Conference of Bodo Sahitya Sabha, began today at Madarihat Chhekamari in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.

Bodo girls in traditional dokhna-jwmgra and Bodo boys with aronai were seen lining up to welcome the delegates and observers from different parts, including Assam, West Bengal and neighbouring Nepal, to participate in the conference, giving a colourful and festive mood to the whole atmosphere.

Various programmes, including a general meeting of the sabha committees of Bengal — Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Coochbehar — were held.

Discussions on issues related to growth and development of the Bodo language, literature and culture were also held.

Nabin Chandra Mondal, president of Paschim Banga Bodo Sahitya Sabha, delivered the welcome speech.

The main gate, named after late Prabhu Dayel Mochary, and the main pandal, dedicated to the memory of late Balichand Debkarjee, were inaugurated.

Tomorrow, BSS president Kameswar Brahma will hoist the organisation flag and BSS vice-president Bisheswar Basumatary will pay homage to martyrs.

The BSS will also present three main awards — Rangsar Literary Award to Premananda Muchahary for Okhafwrni Dwima, Sameswari Brahma Literary Award to Aron Raja for Horwi Souhasowi Maruao and Sanjarang Laksheswar Brahma Cultural Award to Padmadhar Basumatary tomorrow.

The sabha will also felicitate Uthrisar Kunggur Basumatary, Maheswar Narzary and Premananda Mushahary who have contributed to the growth and development of Bodo language and culture.

The second day will also see inauguration of books and souvenirs. North Bengal development minister Goutam Deb will inaugurate a seminar, tomorrow.