Gossaigaon: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Vibrant Life

WELCOME TO GOSSAIGAON 

Nestled on the banks of the Madadi River and under the district of Kokrajhar, there lies a small town brimming with history, culture, and the rhythmic flow of life. Welcome to Gossaigaon, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. And here we go.

With a population of over 15,000 people, Gossaigaon is a vibrant tapestry of diverse communities and traditions. Its strategic location, approximately 300 kilometers from the bustling state capital of Guwahati, has shaped its destiny since its founding in the year 1984 of 19th century.

In the days of British rule, Gossaigaon's thriving tea trade put this town on the map. Its fertile lands became home to lush tea gardens, and the scent of freshly brewed leaves infused the air. 

The echoes of that era still resonate through Mornai Tea Estate, a testament to Gossaigaon's pivotal role in Assam's tea industry. As the tides of independence swept through the nation in 1947, Gossaigaon town stood proud as part of the newly formed Indian state of Assam.

It continued to flourish, transforming into a bustling commercial center where different cultures intertwined harmoniously.

Location and Demographics: 

According to the 2011 India census, the population of Gossaigaon Town Committee was 9,068, with a male population of 4,782 and a female population of 4,286.

The town has a child population (0-6 years) of 968, accounting for 10.67% of the total population. The female sex ratio in Gossaigaon is 896, slightly below the state average of 958, while the child sex ratio is 963, slightly above the state average of 962. The town boasts a high literacy rate of 90.21%, with male literacy at 93.94% and female literacy at 86.01%. Gossaigaon Town Committee oversees the administration of approximately 1,935 households, providing essential amenities and infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, and road development, while also levying property taxes within its jurisdiction.

Riligion Chart

History: 

Gossaigaon town was founded in the early 19th century and official declared as a town in the year 1984. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to its strategic location on the banks of the Modadi River. Gossaigaon town was also a major center for the tea trade during this period and Mornai Tea Estate is pivotal in this connection.

British rule: 

Gossaigaon town was under British rule from the early 19th century until India's independence in 1947. During this period, the town was a major center for the tea trade and its reminiscence is to be found in writings of Mr. John Graham, under whose name the place Grahampur presently known as. The British built a number of tea gardens in the area, and Gossaigaon town became a major hub for the transportation and processing of tea. Mornai Tea Estate is one of the finest examples of it.

Post-independence: 

After India's independence in 1947, Gossaigaon town became a part of the Indian state of Assam. The town continued to grow in the post-independence period, and it became a major commercial center. Gossaigaon town was also a major center for the Bodo movement, which was a movement for the Bodo people to have their own autonomous status.Present day: Today, Gossaigaon town is a thriving town with a population of over 15,000 peoples. The town is a major center for mixed culture and commerce. Gossaigaon town is also a major transportation hub, with a railway station and a bus stand.

Employment Chart of gossaigaon

Employment Chart of Gossaigaon Town

Connectivity of Gossaigaon Town

Gossaigaon town is also a major commercial center due to its privilege of interstate geographical connectivity with West Bengal. The town is home to a number of markets, shops, and businesses. The town is also a major transportation hub, with a railway station and a bus stand.

Air travel: 

Gossaigaon town does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport, which is approximately 300 kilometers away. There are regular flights from Guwahati Airport to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. However very recently Rupsi Airport became operational and biweekly flights are flying for Kolkata and Guwahati. The journey time from Guwahati Airport to Gossaigaon town is approximately 4 hours by road. The journey time from Gossaigaon town to Rupsi Airport is approximately 50 min by bus.

Rail travel: 

Gossaigaon town has a railway station on the New Bongaigaon–Silchar line. There are regular and daily trains from Gossaigaon Railway Station to major cities not only in Assam but also for India, including Guwahati, Kolkata, Silchar Delhi etc., The journey time from Gossaigaon Railway Station to Guwahati city is approximately 3 hours by train.

Bus travel:

Gossaigaon town is well-connected by bus to other parts of Assam and India and famously this town is known as Gateway to Northeast India. There are regular buses from Gossaigaon to Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, and other major cities in the region. The journey time from Gossaigaon town to Kokrajhar town is approximately 1 hour by bus.

Road travel: 

Gossaigaon town is well-connected by road to other parts of Assam and India. The National Highway 31C passes through Gossaigaon, and there are also a number of state highways that connect the town to other parts of the region.

Tourism

Gossaigaon town is a popular tourist destination also . The town is home to a number of attractions, including the Raimona National Park, Mornai Tea Factory, Haraputa British Church,  the Joypurhat Wildlife Sanctuary. The town is also a great place to experience Bodo ethnic culture.

Culture Of Gossaigaon Town

Bodo culture: 

Bodo culture is the dominant culture in Gossaigaon town. The Bodo people are an ethnic group native to Assam, and their culture is rich and vibrant. Bodo culture is characterized by its strong oral tradition, its unique music and dance, and its colorful festivals and Bagarumba dance festival. The town is home to a number of Bodo cultural institutions, including the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, the Bodoland University, and the Bodoland Territorial Council. 

Other cultures: 

In addition to Bodo culture, there are also a number of other cultures represented in Gossaigaon town. These include Assamese culture, Bengali culture, and Hindi culture and last but not the least Muslim Culture. This town is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is one of its strengths.

Festivals

Gossaigaon town is a home to a number of festivals. Both Bodos and non-Bodos take part in all the festivals and celebrate together in tune. Some of the most popular festivals includes

• Bodo New Year festival (Baisagu): This is the most important festival in Bodo culture, and it is celebrated in the month of April.
• Assamese Bihu festival: This is a major festival in Assamese culture, and it is celebrated in the month of April.
• Durga Puja: This is a major Hindu festival, and it is celebrated in the month of October.

Food Culture

The food of Gossaigaon town is a delicious blend of Bodo, Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Tenga: This is a sour soup made with fish or meat. 
• Xaat: This is a dish made with rice and vegetables.
• Pitha: This is a type of pancake made with rice flour. 
• Momos: This is a type of dumpling made with meat or vegetables usually found in every hook and corner of the town.

ALSO READ:-COOCHBEHAR RAJBARI: ITS HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR

Educational Scenario

Gossaigaon town places great emphasis on education, evident through its highly commendable literacy rate of 90.21%, surpassing the state average of 72.19%. This reflects the town's strong commitment to fostering knowledge and learning. 

The government of Assam shares this dedication, prioritizing the provision of quality education to children throughout the state. In Gossaigaon, the pursuit of education is a cornerstone, empowering individuals and enriching the community as a whole. With a focus on nurturing young minds, Gossaigaon stands as a beacon of educational opportunity, contributing to the overall development and progress of its locals. 

The government has a number of schemes in place to support education in Gossaigaon town, such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

The private sector is also playing a pivotal role in providing quality education in Gossaigaon town. There are a number of private schools and colleges in the town, which offer a variety of courses in various departments.

Primary and Secondary Education:

The town takes pride in its esteemed educational institutions, with several renowned schools serving the community. Among the most popular schools in Gossaigaon are mentioned below. These schools play a pivotal role in shaping young minds, offering quality education and nurturing holistic development. With a focus on academic excellence and fostering a conducive learning environment, these educational establishments contribute significantly to the educational landscape of Gossaigaon town.

1. St. Anthony's English Medium School, Since 1984
2. Little Star EM School
3. Sunrise EM School
4. Bodoland Public School
5. Blooming Buds School
6. Bishuram Memorial ME School
7. Girls' HS School
8. Shankardev Vidyaniketan School
9. Boys' HS School
10. Sankar Ajan Jatiya Vidyalaya

Higher Education:

Gossaigaon town also has a number of institutions of higher education. These institutions offer courses leading to degrees such as Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. Some of the most popular institutions of higher education in Gossaigaon town includes:

1. Gossaigaon College, since 1971
2. Gossaigaon B.Ed College
3. Krishna Kanta Handique Open University
4. Gossaigaon Science Academy
5. Bodoland Science Acadeny
6. Rabi Haji Junior College
7. Gossaigaon Junior College
8. Vidya Vikash College, Telipara
9. HOMA (Residential)

Religion

The town is home to a number of religion and religious institutions, including temples, mosques, and churches. These institutions play an important role in the lives of the people of Gossaigaon town. Major religions are as follows-

Major religions: 

The major religions in Gossaigaon town are Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Hinduism is the most popular religion in the town, followed by Islam and Christianity

• Hinduism: 

Hinduism is the dominant religion in Gossaigaon town. The majority of the Hindu population in the town is Bodos, but there are also a significant number of Assamese Hindus and Bengali Hindus.

• Islam:

 Islam is the second most popular religion in Gossaigaon town. The majority of the Muslim population in the town is Bengali, but there are also a significant number of Bihari Muslims.

• Christianity: 

Christianity is the third most popular religion in Gossaigaon town. The majority of the Christian population in the town are Bodos,

Alongside the dominant religious groups, there are also thriving communities of Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, adding to the town's rich religious mosaic. 

Moreover, Gossaigaon is home to a significant number of Adivasi Christians and Bodo Christians, who have established their faith and traditions within this vibrant community

Temple

1. Sankardev Namghar, Chariali
2. Gossaibaba Dham, Gossaigaon Market
3. Shiv Mandir
4. Hanuman mandir, Uttarpara
5. Tinali Laxmi Mandir, Maharajpur
6. Tinali Viswakarma mandir
7. Kali mandir
8. Maa Shyama mandir, Chariali
9. Bathow Temple, Jaynagar
10. Giridhari Ashram
11. Ramkrishna Sevashram
12. Joyguru Mandir, Dalgaon Road
13. Shani Mandir
14. Brahma Mandir
15. Sitala Devi Mandir
16. Ramkrishna Ashram

Church

1. Martin Luther Cathedral(MLC) NELC Church
2. Anthony's Catholic Church
3. Presbyterian Independent Church
4. Baptist Church
5. Pentecost Church

Mosques

1. Gossaigaon Jama Majzid, Gossaigaon Town.
2. Nurnagar Jama Majzid, Padmabil
3. Masjid e Makam, Padmabil
4. Farkania Masjid, Karim bazar (Padmabil)

Religious places

• Martin Luther Cathedral.

Medical Facilities of Gossaigaon Town

The RNB Civil Hospital stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in Gossaigaon, catering to the medical needs of its residents with dedication and expertise. Nestled in the heart of Gossaigaon, the Ranendra Narayan Basumatary (RNB) Civil Hospital stands as the largest government healthcare facility in the area. Situated near the SDO(C) office in the village of Habrubil, this 100-bedded hospital has gained recognition for its exceptional services. 

With a team of specialist doctors, including gynecologists, general surgeons, physicians, anesthesiologists, and Dental surgeons, the hospital provides comprehensive medical care to the community. Notably, the hospital is equipped with its own renowned laboratory, overseen by the skilled laboratory technician Mr. Aminul Islam, where government-funded laboratory tests are conducted.

There is also a small government hospital in the heart of the town near Gossaigaon Govt. H.S. School named Gossaigaon Community Health Center. For treating animals, a good facility for Veterinary services is available in Gossaigaon Town.There is a State Veterinary Dispensary and a Block Veterinary Dispensary located near Gossaigaon C.H.C. For smooth official works in veterinary department a "Sub-divisional Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer" is also located there. The popular veterinary surgeon Dr. T. K. Kalita is now serving the area since 1992 continuously.

Details of Various Offices

The highest authority in the town is the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO Civil), whose office is located in the Court Premises Habrubil. The subdivision is also having an agricultural research station named Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) headed by Dr. S Paul located near Telipara 3 km away from the Gossaigaon market. Also having a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for the entire district located near the RARS headed by Dr. Monoj Bhuyan, a well-experienced agriculturist. A sub-divisional agricultural office is also located near Babubil village.

The Divisional Forest Office is also located near college road. The banking facilities are available in the center. The SBI, UCO Bank, CBI, Bandhan bank, The Assam Co-operative Apex bank, The Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, Axis Bank Ltd, HDFC Bank Ltd., etc. served the people a great for a loan and banking facilities.

1. The Police station, Post Office,
2. Circle Office, Telecom Office,
3. Sub-divisional Police Officer,
4. Sub Divisional Agricultural Officer,
5. Sub Divisional Medical Officer,
6. Sub Divisional Fiscery Officer,
7. Sub Divisional Information and Publicity Officer,
8. Sub Treasury, Sub Register,
9. Labour and Employment Officer, S. I. Official,
10. D. I. Office, BEEO cum BMC Office,
11. Divisional Forest Office,
12. PHE office, APDCL office,
13. SC and ST (P) Development office,
14. Fire and Emergency services office, , etc.

So, most of the offices are available in Gossaigaon except a few for which the locals are required to approach the Kokrajhar District (viz. RTO, Marriage Registrar, etc.).

Playgrounds

• U.N Brahma Field
• Gossaigaon College
• FieldGlobal FC field
• GHS Field, Near Police Station

Conclusion

Gossaigaon is a testament to the richness of Assam's cultural heritage. Gossaigaon has embraced change while preserving its unique identity. With a population of over 15,000, this hidden gem invites visitors to explore its historical landmarks, savoir its local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the warmth of its community. Gossaigaon story continues to unfold, captivating all who venture into its embrace.

FAQ

1. What is the Pin Code of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- 783360

2. What is the IFSC Code of Gossaigaon Town SBI Branch?

Ans- SBIN0007996

3. What is the Vehicle Registration Code of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- AS 16

4. What is the Area of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- 4.000 KM²

5. What is the Elevation of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- 160ft

6. What is the Density of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- 2,300/km2

7. What is the Time Zone of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- UTC+5:30 (IST)

8. What is the official Language of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- Assamese, Bodo, English

9. What is the Spoken language of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- Assamese, Bodo, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Adivasi etc

10. What is the Telephone Code of Gossaigaon Town?

Ans- +91 3669

11. What is the cordinates of Gossaigaon?

Ans- The Coordinates is: 26°25′11″N 89°59′03″

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