Madhupur festival celebrated with religious fervour at historic Madhupur Dham Satra in Cooch Behar

The historic Sri Sri Madhupur Dham Satra in neighbouring Cooch Behar district of West Bengal resonated with devotion and cultural splendour on January 20 as devotees gathered in large numbers to observe the Madhupur Festival with deep religious fervour. 

The day-long celebration marks the Tirobhava Tithi (death anniversary) of Po Govind Atay Prabhu, the first Satradhikar of the revered Madhupur Dham Satra.

The Satra holds immense historical and spiritual significance as the sacred site associated with the departure of legendary saint-reformers Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev. Over centuries, Madhupur Dham has remained a vital centre of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement, and the festival stands as a tribute to the Bhakti tradition propagated by the two saints.

The celebrations began in the early hours with a spiritually charged atmosphere created by Gayan-Bayan and Usha Kirtan, regarded as among the most sacred musical and devotional practices of the Neo-Vaishnavite faith. Devotees and pilgrims from Assam and West Bengal participated in the morning rituals, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

A key highlight of the festival was the rare public viewing of Naam Prasanga manuscripts belonging to Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev Guru, which was opened to devotees in the afternoon. The occasion drew scholars, devotees and cultural enthusiasts, many of whom described the experience as deeply moving and historically significant.

As evening set in, the festival took on a vibrant cultural dimension with performances of Bhawna, a classical theatrical and dance form intrinsic to the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition. The performances attracted large audiences and showcased episodes rooted in devotional philosophy, blending spirituality with artistic expression.

Madhav Dev Mahanta, the Deka Satradhikar of Sri Sri Madhupur Dham Satra, said the festival reflects sustained efforts to preserve and promote the spiritual and cultural legacy of Madhupur Dham. He emphasised that such observances play a crucial role in ensuring that the teachings, traditions and heritage of the Satra continue to inspire future generations.

The Madhupur Festival once again reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement and the shared cultural heritage of Assam and Bengal, drawing together faith, history and art in a single sacred celebration.