Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 30, 2026 (BSS)-  With the slogan “Where rights are denied, there is Hul”, the historic 171st Santal Hul Day was celebrated in Kakonhat, Godagari Upazila of Rajshahi, through a colorful rally, street gatherings and a discussion meeting. 

The program was held today with support from CCBVO and Bread for the World, Germany, and organized by the Rokkha Gola Coordination Committee and village organizations.
 
Members of the Rokkha Gola organization from ethnic minority communities participated. 

To mark the day, a vibrant rally started from CCBVO’s branch office and paraded through various roads of Kakon Market. 

The formal observance began later with the laying of floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar of Kakonhat Municipality. 

Sisti Tudu, a member of the Rokkha Gola Coordination Committee, presided over the discussion meeting. 

Joseph Ramdas Hansda, Program Officer of CCBVO, spoke about the context and significance of Santal Hul Day. Rokkha Gola leaders Ripon Tudu, Julita Murmu, and Raghunath Paharia also addressed the gathering. 

Speakers said that for 171 years, Santal Hul Day has been observed as a proud symbol of the Santal community’s struggle for rights.  

During the discussion, speakers noted that the 1855 Santal Rebellion is a glorious chapter in the history of anti-British imperialist struggle. It was one of the first armed mass uprisings in the subcontinent, which later inspired the independence movement of the Indian subcontinent. 

Many also observe this day as Sidhu-Kanu Day in memory of the Santal rebellion’s leaders, brothers Sidhu Murmu and Kanu Murmu. 

Against the oppression of the British rulers, landlords, moneylenders, armed henchmen, and the administration, the Santals rose in revolt under the leadership of Sidhu, Kanu, Chand, and Bhairav. Fulomoni Murmu and Jhalomoni Murmu also joined them. 

Speakers added that the rebellion, which began on June 30, 1855, continued until November 1856.

Santal warriors, fighting with bows, arrows, and traditional weapons, put up prolonged resistance against British forces equipped with modern arms. 

About 10,000 to 15,000 Santal fighters were killed in the war. The rebellion ended after Sidhu, Kanu, Chand, and Bhairav were killed. 

The event was moderated by CCBVO Senior Program Officer Soumik Dumri. Co-coordinator Md. Shahabuddin, Senior Program Officer Md. Nirabul Islam, Program Officers Ruma Lovely Murmu and Paul Tudu, along with community organizers and local leaders, were present.