Holi in the Barpeta district of Assam is much more than colours, sweets and celebrations. The festival is deeply rooted in the Satriya culture.
The three-day long Shri Krishna Doul Mahotsav has begun in historic Barpeta Xatra, which was established by Mahapurush Madhabdeb. Starting yesterday with xatriya customs and traditions.
The Barpeta Satra is a monastery founded by Vaishnav saint Sankardeva’s disciple Madhavdeva. For four days, the Satra resonates with Holi songs, the sounds of cymbals, and traditional performances of the Vaishnav Sattriya tradition.
More than a lakh people, including women who are otherwise barred from entering the Satra (monastery) at Barpeta, a town in lower Assam, during the rest of the year, throng to the monastery which comes alive with colour, Holi songs, and ‘bhaonas’ (theatre) during “Doul Mahotsav”.
The first day of the festival, known as Gondh Jatra, kicked off on March 24. People from across Assam visit Barpeta to witness the Doul Utsav, in which they transcend into a mystical phase. It is the one festival that Barpeta waits for with much enthusiasm throughout the year.
Scheduled from March 24 to March 26, the renowned Doul Festival graces the grounds of Barpeta Satra for three exhilarating days. Following the rich tradition of Sattriya culture, the festival featured Sunday’s festivities as Daul, Monday’s as Bhardaul, and Tuesday’s as Suveri or Fakuwa.
The Doul Mahotsav celebrated at this satra is unique to the region and is based on the legend of Lord Krishna’s visit to his consort Ghunusa that angered his wife.
The image of Krishna, also called ‘Kaliya Gosain’ (the dark lord) by the locals, is carried around in a procession with devotees playing cymbals and drums.
The image is then placed near the fire before being taken back into the shrine.
The grand finale of the festival on the fourth day, to be held on Tuesday, is called ‘seuri’ where Krishna’s image is placed in a palanquin and taken out in a grand procession around the town, ostensibly to Ghunusa’s house, by devotees smeared with ‘fakua’ or coloured powder.
After the procession, the devotees bring back Lord Krishna to the Satra where he is barred entry to his home by an irate wife.
The devotees divide themselves into two groups–one supporting Krishna and the other his wife–and engage in a heated argument, ultimately breaking bamboo barriers.
This Mahotsav fills the hearts of all the people of Barpeta with fervour and colour. Holigeets are performed on all of these days. These folk songs are the compositions in praise of Lord Krishna.
People from across Assam and beyond visit Barpeta Satra during the doul utsav.
The eve of Doul Mahotsav saw the enchanting spectacle of ‘Varnil Basanta,’ a magnificent display of Holi songs held in Satranagari Barpeta.
As the procession of Holi songs traverses the streets of Satranagari Barpeta, the city resonates with the melodious tunes, creating an atmosphere brimming with joy and excitement.
With the Doul Festival just around the corner, Barpetaites eagerly await the celebrations, poised to immerse themselves in the cultural splendour and musical revelry that define this cherished tradition.
On the other hand, Majuli has also witnessed widespread enthusiasm for the festival of colours.
