- Chokapara
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Chokapara — village — Coordinates 26°17′2″N 90°13′35″E / 26.28389°N 90.22639°ECoordinates: 26°17′2″N 90°13′35″E / 26.28389°N 90.22639°E Country India State Assam District(s) Dhubri Nearest city Bilasipara Parliamentary constituency Dhubri Assembly constituency Bilasipara East Population 1,148 (2001[update]) Time zone IST (UTC+05:30) 
A view of Chokapara village, a typical Goalpariya village
Chokapara is a small village under Lakhiganj Gaon Panchayat, some 7 kilometers distance north from the Bilasipara town (sub-divisional head quarters) in the Dhubri district of Assam, one of the eight sister states of North-East India. It is one of the very old revenue villages of erstwhile Goalpara district. According to 2001 India census, Chokapara had a population of 1,148 in 253 households. Males constitute ~52 % of the population and females ~48 %.
The people of Chokapara basically speak Goalpariya, which is a dialect of Assamese. Their official language and medium of education are primarily Assamese or English. Chokapara has a primary school, named Chokapara Nimnabuniyadi Bibyalaya (1962) and a Girls' High School (1993). The village constitute both Muslims and Hindus of nearly equal percentage and they live harmoniously for decades. Until a decade ago, the people depended exclusively on agriculture. paddy is the principal crop traditionally grown for consumption as well as sale, although oil seeds (like mustard, sunflower), jute, vegetables and other cash crops are also widely cultivated. Now, the people, especially the younger generation is looking for newer areas of livelihood. The new generation is inclined to business and higher education. As a result a number of Self-Help Groups (SHG), a District Rural Development Agency scheme, are coming up and doing well.
These days, education holds a significant place in the culture of the village, with many of the residents being teachers at the local schools. Some of them are also working in various Government offices in Bilasipara or in nearby towns. The village is now producing some good lecturers, administrators, researchers, defence personals, etc. Traditionally the village has a head called Gaonbuda and a village court which look after small disputes.
Sports and cultural activities, too, hold a special place in the village. Most popular sports in the village are cricket, football, badminton and kabadi. Until recently, the village possessed one of the best kabadi teams in the sub-division. Goalpariya folk song is very popular in the village. The people are moderately religious, they celebrate Bihu, Eid, Durga puja, etc. in geat spirit.
References
Categories:- Dhubri
- Villages in Dhubri district
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