Assam's Barpeta comes alive with the melody of Holi songs

Barpeta Satra, an important seat of Vaishnavite culture in Assam, is brimming with festivities as people have congregated here in large numbers during the four-day celebration of 'Doul Mahotsav'.

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 Barpeta Satra, 95 km from Guwahati, was founded by Vaishnav saint Sankardeva's disciple Madhavdeva.

As the countdown begins for the much-awaited 'Doul Mahotsav' in Barpeta, excitement fills the air, and the vibrant hues of Holi songs echo through the streets. 

With just a day remaining, anticipation mounts among Barpetaites for the upcoming festivities.

Scheduled from March 24 to March 26, the renowned Doul Festival will grace the grounds of Barpeta Satra for three exhilarating days. Following the rich tradition of Sattriya culture, the festival will feature Sunday's festivities as Daul, Monday's as Bhardaul, and Tuesday's as Suveri or Fakuwa.

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In anticipation of the grand event, the hearts of Barpeta's residents resonate with the fervor of Holi songs. 

The eve of Doul Mahotsav saw the enchanting spectacle of 'Varnil Basanta,' a magnificent display of Holi songs held in Satranagari Barpeta. 

Organized by the Barpeta Cultural Forum, this event drew participants from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including Bodo, Rabha, Koch Rajbangshi, Manipuri, Bihari, Marwari, and Bengali, among others.

Highlighting the cultural richness of Barpeta, the Barpeta Cultural Forum has translated local Holi songs into various languages such as Bodo, Rava, and Rajasthani, fostering the promotion of Barpeta's musical heritage.

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.