Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 30, 2026 (BSS) - The 171st Santal Hul Day was observed in Kakonhat of Godagari upazila in Rajshahi today with a colourful rally, street gatherings and discussion under the slogan, "Where rights are denied, there is Hul."

The programme was organised by the Rokkha Gola Coordination Committee and village organisations with support from CCBVO and Bread for the World, Germany. Members of the Rokkha Gola organisation from ethnic minority communities took part in the observance.

The day began with a rally from the CCBVO branch office that passed through different roads of Kakon Market. Participants later placed floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar of Kakonhat Municipality.

The discussion meeting, chaired by Rokkha Gola Coordination Committee member Sisti Tudu, highlighted the historical significance of Santal Hul Day. CCBVO Programme Officer Joseph Ramdas Hansda outlined the background of the 1855 Santal Rebellion, while Rokkha Gola leaders Ripon Tudu, Julita Murmu and Raghunath Paharia also addressed the gathering.

Speakers described the Santal Rebellion of 1855 as one of the earliest mass armed uprisings against British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent, saying it inspired later movements for independence. They noted that the day is also observed by many as Sidhu-Kanu Day in honour of Santal leaders Sidhu Murmu and Kanu Murmu.

They recalled that the Santals, led by Sidhu, Kanu, Chand and Bhairav, rose against the oppression of British rulers, landlords, moneylenders and their collaborators. Fulomoni Murmu and Jhalomoni Murmu also took part in the uprising.

The rebellion began on June 30, 1855, and continued until November 1856. Despite fighting with traditional weapons such as bows and arrows against the better-equipped British forces, the Santals mounted fierce resistance. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Santal fighters were killed before the rebellion ended with the deaths of its principal leaders.

The programme was moderated by CCBVO Senior Programme Officer Soumik Dumri and attended by CCBVO Co-coordinator Md. Shahabuddin, Senior Programme Officer Md. Nirabul Islam, Programme Officers Ruma Lovely Murmu and Paul Tudu, along with community organisers and local leaders.