Assam celebrates Lachit Diwas on 24th November at various parts of the State honoring the memory of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, who defeated the Mughal army on the banks of the Brahmaputra in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. 

Various events are being organised across the State in remembrance of the legendary warrior. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Lachit Borphukan on Lachit Diwas and said "on the special occasion of Lachit Diwas, we bow to the courageous Lachit Borphukan. He was an outstanding leader and strategist, who played a pivotal role in protecting the unique culture of Assam. He also worked extensively towards empowering the poor and downtrodden.”

Lachit Borphukan (24 November 1622 - 25 April 1672) was a commander and Borphukan (Phu-Kon-Lung) in the Ahom kingdom, located in present-day Assam, India, known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat that thwarted a drawn-out attempt by Mughal forces under the command of Ramsingh I to take over Ahom kingdom. During the last stage of the Battle of Saraighat, when the Mughals attacked by the river in Saraighat, the Assamese soldiers began to lose their will to fight. However, Lachit rallied the soldiers and a desperate battle ensured on the river Brahmaputra that Lachit was victorious with Mughals had to retreat from Guwahati. He died about a year later due to illness.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)