Assam: Gosain Bihu observed with religious fervour at Mahamaya Temple in Dhubri

The second day of Bohag month was observed with full religious fervour, observing Gosain Bihu, across Assam’s Dhubri district on Thursday, April 16 with devotees thronging temples and community prayer halls to offer prayers.

At the centre of the observance was the historic Mahamaya Temple in Bagribari, where hundreds of devotees gathered from early morning to participate in a day-long special puja. The temple, regarded as a significant religious site in Lower Assam, witnessed continuous Vedic chants and traditional rituals as families prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being in the Assamese New Year.

Gosain Bihu, dedicated to worship of deities, follows the first two days of Rongali Bihu — Goru Bihu and Manuh Bihu — which focus on cattle and human relationships respectively. The transition from festive celebrations to spiritual observance was evident across the district, with religious rituals taking precedence over cultural programmes.

In rural areas of Dhubri, residents assembled at local namghars, or community prayer halls, where collective prayers and customary rites were performed. The observance reflected a continuation of long-standing traditions associated with the seven-day Bihu celebrations.

Rongali Bihu, the most significant festival in Assam, is traditionally celebrated over a week, with each day carrying distinct cultural and social importance. Following Gosain Bihu, the festivities will proceed to Kutum Bihu and Senehi Bihu, which emphasise kinship, community ties and social bonding.

Despite increasing urbanisation and changing lifestyles, participation in traditional rituals remained high in Dhubri and Bagribari, underscoring the continued relevance of the religious and cultural aspects of the festival in contemporary times.