imported>Niceguyedc at 04:43, 5 January 2020

2020-01-05T04:43:51Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chokapara
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = village
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Assam#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Assam, India
| coordinates = {{coord|26|17|2|N|90|13|35|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Assam]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Dhubri District|Dhubri]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 1148
| population_as_of = 2001
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 783351
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 91-3667
| registration_plate =AS
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = Bilasipara
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = Dhubri
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = Bilasipara East<ref>[http://ceoassam.nic.in/eroll/Master/6/27/A027029.pdf 2011 Voter list of Chokapara, Bilasipara East 27] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426072110/http://ceoassam.nic.in/eroll/Master/6/27/A027029.pdf |date=2012-04-26 }}</ref>
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
[[File:Chokapara Village.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A view of Chokapara village, a typical [[Goalpariya people|Goalpariya]] village]]
'''Chokapara''' is a village under [[Lakhiganj]] Gaon [[Panchayat]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drdadhubri.org/bl_gp_vill/vill_data1.asp?Block=BILASIPARA&GP=LAKHIGANJ&strID=117&Village=CHOKRAPARA |title=CHOKRAPARA Village of Dhubri District |publisher=Drdadhubri.org |date= |accessdate=2013-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209121739/http://www.drdadhubri.org/bl_gp_vill/vill_data1.asp?Block=BILASIPARA&GP=LAKHIGANJ&strID=117&Village=CHOKRAPARA |archive-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> some 7 kilometers distance north from the [[Bilasipara]] town (sub-divisional headquarters) in the [[Dhubri]] district of [[Assam]], one of the seven sister states of [[North-East India]]. It is one of the very old revenue villages of the 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 %.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/View_Village_Population.aspx?pcaid=958333&category=VILLAGE 2001 Summary Census data for Chokapara village]</ref><ref>http://www.voiceofbharat.org/Dhubri/view_results_detail.asp?ID=861&mVarTable={{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}[Sheet1]</ref>
[[File:ricestraw.JPG|thumb|left|200px|A traditional way to shelf the rice straw in chokapara]]

==History==
The name of the village ''Chokapara'' came from an interesting story. In local dialect, ''Choka'' means sharp and ''para'' means village. So it is a sharp village, but not in the sense that people are sharp. According to folklore, in the early days the village was covered by dense forests and the neighbouring villagers scared to visit the village due to the presence of some demons called ''Daini'' especially in the evening hours. So, after sunset people did not come out of home or visit the village as the ''Dainis'' remained vigilant (sharp).

==People==
The village constitutes both [[Muslims]] and [[Hindus]] of nearly equal percentage and they have been living harmoniously for centuries. The Hindus belong to the [[Nath|Nath community]] and are traditionally known as [[Jogi (caste)|Jogi]]. The Muslims follow the [[sunni]] branch of [[Islam]]. Traditionally the village has a head called ''Gaonbuda'' and a village court which looks after small disputes.

==Language==
[[File:whitegourd.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Some mature white gourds on the roof of a house in Chokapara]]
The people of Chokapara basically speak [[Goalpariya dialect|Goalpariya]], which is a [[dialect]] of [[Assamese language|Assamese]]. Their official language and medium of education are primarily Assamese or [[English language|English]].
[[File:batelnut.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Some areca palm with nuts in Chokapara]]
[[File:betelleaves.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A farmer is trimming betel leaves in Chokapara]]

==Culture==
The culture of the village as part of the broader [[Assamese Culture|Assamese]] culture is a hybrid one, developed over time from traditional Hindu value systems, Islamic influence and some elements of local tribal culture. Symbolism is an ancient cultural practice of this region and is still a very important part of life of the village as they use [[Gamosa]], [[Xorai]], etc. to represent identity, pride, etc. A unique cultural trait of the people is their love for [[areca]]-nut and [[betel]] leaves. They have great respect towards the traditional silk garments and forefathers and elderly.

==Economy==
Traditionally the village depended exclusively on [[agriculture]] for livelihood. The land around the village is very fertile. [[rice|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. These days, 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, Government of Assam, are coming up and doing well.

==Education==
[[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 has a primary school, named 1933 No. Chokapara Nimnabuniyadi Bidyalaya (estd 1962)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schoolsworld.in/schools/showschool.php?school_id=18020426801 |title=1933 NO.CHOKAPARA LP SCHOOL |publisher=Schoolsworld.in |date= |accessdate=2013-01-01}}</ref> and a Girls' High School (estd 1993) for secondary education. [[Lakhiganj Higher Secondary School]] is also situated in the village. Of late, the village is producing some good [[lecturers]], administrators, [[researchers]], defence personals, etc.

==Sports and Festivals==
Sports and cultural activities hold a special place in the life of the village. Most popular sports in the village are [[volleyball]], [[cricket]], [[association football|football]], [[badminton]] and [[kabaddi|kabadi]]. Until recently, the village possessed one of the best kabadi teams in the sub-division. [[Goalpariya Lokgeet|Goalpariya]] folk song is very popular in the village. The people are moderately religious, they celebrate [[Bihu]], [[Eid ul-Fitr]], [[Eid ul-Adha]], [[Durga puja]], etc. in great spirit.

==References==
{{reflist}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120209121056/http://www.drdadhubri.org/bl_gp_vill/gp_pg.asp?Block=BILASIPARA&GP=LAKHIGANJ&strID=20 Dhubri District Official Website]
* [http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Population_Finder/Population_Finder.aspx?Name=Chokapara&Criteria=V 2001 India Census Report]

[[Category:Dhubri]]
[[Category:Villages in Dhubri district]]

Chokapara - Revision history

imported>Niceguyedc at 04:43, 5 January 2020