The festival of Holi, renowned for its vibrant colours and fanfare, holds significant prominence in India. While celebrated nationwide, the Holi at Barpeta Satra stands out for its uniqueness. Comparisons are often drawn between the Holi celebration in Barpeta and those in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. During this festive occasion, numerous visitors from various parts of Assam journey to Barpeta to take part in it and discover its traditions. This blog aims to provide comprehensive insights into the Holi at Barpeta, covering every aspect in detail.
About Holi at Barpeta Satra
It is said that the Holi at Barpeta Satra, locally known as Deul/Doul, has been organised since the days of Sankardeva. Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciples initiated this festival.
Later on, Mathura Das Bura Ata(then satradhikar of Barpeta Satra) popularised the festival among the masses. Thereafter, the double festival has been celebrated with satriya parampara (traditionally) till today at Barpeta Satra.
During this festival, the whole of Barpeta city comes to a standstill and people revel in the festivities. Nothing excites the people of Barpeta more than the celebration of Holi. You cannot feel the vibe and words cannot justify the feeling, until and unless you witness it yourself.
Colour brings hope, spirit and liveliness. Colours blended with songs, dance and fun become a celebration. This is the main theme of the Holi celebration in Barpeta.
Holi Festival Time Table in Barpeta Satra
During of the Holi festival in Barpeta depends on which Assamese month it is celebrated. If the festival falls on Sot/Chot month, it is celebrated for 3 days and is known as Burha Deul (translated to Holi for old age persons). If the festival falls on Faguun month, it is celebrated for 4 days and is known as Deka Deul (translated to Holi for youth).
If the time of Magh Nakshatra (tenth lunar asterism) falls on Faagun month then Holi is celebrated in Faagun month. If the time of Magh Nakshatra (tenth lunar asterism) falls on Sot month then Holi is celebrated in Sot month.
Normally, it is celebrated in the English month of March-April (Between the last week of March and the first week of April).
How Holi is Celebrated in Barpeta Satra?
In the months of “Faagun” and “Sot/Chot” the spring season comes, the world is filled with the green leaves of the trees, the flowers bloom, birds sing sweet songs, the gentle wind blows with fragrance and everything of this world changed into a different one. And it is in this sweet moment, that Doul Utsava of Barpeta is celebrated.
Before reading further, you understand various Assamese terms (on this blog) related to Barpeta Satras, you may read this blog where basic details of Barpeta Satra are elaborated with pictures.
Day 1 of Holi at Barpeta Satra: Gondh Deul
The first day of the doll festival is called good Deul or simply good Utsav. On the eve of this day, the idols of the two deities (Kaliya Thakur and Doul Gobinda) are relocated from the kirtanghar (main shrine of Barpeta Satra) to the courtyard of the math (the white-coloured structure beside the Kritanghar), commonly referred to as Mathor Sotal.
Meanwhile, in the open space in front of the Kirtanghar, a bonfire or meji (like the ones that are burnt during Magh Bihu of Assam) is constructed. After that, the idols are moved around the burning meji. The idols of two Gods are finally shifted to doul-griha (a special prayer hall specially designated for the Holi Festival). The Gandh Festival then concludes with a fireworks celebration in the night.
Day 2 of Holi at Barpeta Satra: Bhor Deul
It is the main Holi festival at Barpeta Satra. If you are a visitor planning to visit Barpeta during Holi, it is the best time to visit Barpeta Satra. The day starts with morning prasanga(rituals) and other formalities. But the main show is Holi Geet (a song based on the Holi festival). On this day, people of all ages from the Barpeta area come to Barpeta satra with colours, cymbals, and dholkis to emerge themselves in Holi songs. Holi songs of Barpeta are composed so that anybody can participate, sing and dance to its rhythms.
The program of the Bhor deal depends on which Assamese month it is celebrated. If the festival falls on Faguun month, it is celebrated for 2 days. Otherwise, it is just a day celebration.
Various traditional cultural shows such as ojapali, gayan-bayan, dhuliya nritya are held along with Holi geet performance are help on this day.
Day 3 of Holi at Barpeta Satra: Fakuwa or Suweri
The last day of the double festival is called fake and at Barpeta this day is called sueri. On this day the idol of God (Kaliya Thakur – a form of Lord Krishna) goes on a journey to Kanara Satra (a nearby place) by the devotees with a cultural procession. It is believed that the idol is taken to the house of Ghunucha (a deity widely followed by people of the area). As the idol of Krishna is taken back to the kirtan ghar, the devotees on the side of Lakshmi obstruct the entry of Lord Krishna at the main gate by fastening a bamboo turnpike horizontally and demand a tax.
A mock altercation takes place between the devotees on the side of Lakshmi and those on the side of Lord Krishna, the bamboo bar is broken with a thud and the devotees on the side of Lakshmi make way for the entry of the sedan of Lord Krishna. Then the idol is placed inside the Kirtanghar. Holi at Barpeta Satra is concluded with this ritual.
About Holi Geet of Barpeta
Holigeets of Barpeta are remarkably popular which enthralls the heart of every Assamese. These holiness are exquisite compositions in praise of Lord Krishna. People from different places visit Barpeta Satra to see this Doul Utsav. The thing about Holi geet is that everybody participates in it. Nobody is a listener, everybody is a performer.
