Ashokastami festival unites Assam in grand display of communal harmony

The sacred banks of the Brahmaputra came alive with devotion, unity, and celebration as thousands of devotees gathered in Dhubri and Jogighopa (Bongaigaon district) to observe Ashokastami, one of the most revered and spiritually significant festivals of Eastern India. 

Marked by age-old rituals, vibrant fairs, and a deep sense of community, the festival this year reaffirmed the enduring legacy of faith and harmony in Assam.

In Dhubri, the day began with religious fervor as devotees took the holy dip in the Brahmaputra between 9:35 AM and 12:53 PM, a time believed to offer “Brahma Pad Prapti”—a rare spiritual state signifying liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Devotees performed traditional rites such as hair donation, pindodan, and argh offerings for the peace of their ancestors’ souls. The riverside echoed with hymns, chants, and the quiet prayers of people from all walks of life, transcending caste, class, and gender.

Complementing the spiritual observance was the Ashokastami Mela, a grand fair that turned the riverbank into a carnival of culture. Vendors, artisans, and performers created a festive ambience with local crafts, devotional items, folk music, and traditional dance, bringing together communities in joyous celebration.

Meanwhile, in Jogighopa of Bongaigaon district, the historic Ashokastami Mela—held near the famed Triveni Sangam—continued its legacy as a center of pilgrimage and tradition. 

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Thousands of devotees from Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Barpeta, Chirang, and Kokrajhar districts participated in sacred baths, pindadan, and asthi visarjan (immersion of ashes) along the Brahmaputra’s banks. According to religious belief, bathing in the Brahmaputra on this day is equivalent to a dip in the Ganga in terms of spiritual merit.

What sets the Jogighopa Ashokastami Mela apart is its unique legacy of communal harmony. For generations, members of the local Muslim community have played a leading role in the fair’s organizing committee—holding key posts such as president and secretary—and ensuring the smooth conduct of the mela. This year, too, the tradition of interfaith cooperation continued seamlessly, setting a rare example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Ashokastami is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) of Chaitra month, aligning with the eighth day or Ashtami of Chaitra Navratri. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the festival is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, made possible by divine blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The day symbolizes the end of sorrow (ashoka) and the triumph of good over evil.

As the sun set over the Brahmaputra in both Dhubri and Jogighopa, the flicker of oil lamps, rhythmic chants, and vibrant community gatherings illuminated more than the riverbanks—they lit up the spirit of unity, devotion, and shared heritage. Ashokastami, once again, proved to be not just a religious observance, but a celebration of Assam’s rich cultural fabric and timeless values.