Batadrava: The five-day Doul Yatra at Sri Sri Batadrava Than commenced on March 2 with traditional religious rituals and devotional fervour, drawing a large gathering of devotees to the historic shrine — the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev (Batadrava Doul Yatra 2026).
The spiritually vibrant atmosphere has transformed the sacred premises into a confluence of devotion, culture, and heritage. The festival, first introduced at Batadrava by Srimanta Sankardev, will continue until March 6. According to the Batadrava Than Management Committee, more than 10 lakh devotees are expected to participate over the course of the five-day celebration. Elaborate arrangements have been made by various sub-committees to ensure the supply of drinking water, electricity, medical facilities, and food services for pilgrims.
Religious Rituals and Ceremonial Proceedings
On the opening evening of March 2, the Gosai (idol of Lord Krishna) was ceremonially installed at Barbheti amid traditional Gayan-Bayan performances. After the sacred bath ritual, the idol was anointed with fragrant oil and dressed in new garments. The devotional “Ram Dhemali” was performed to mark the formal beginning of the festival.
On March 3 at 2 PM, the Gosai will be bathed and ceremonially seated, following which fragrant faku will be offered. The Gayan-Bayan will perform “Na-Dhemali,” and devotees will receive faku nirmali and sacred padjal. The idol will remain at Barbheti overnight, with devotees engaging in Naam-Kirtan.
The main “Furuwa Utsav” will be held on March 4. At 2 PM, amid resounding Hari Naam chants by Gayan-Bayan performers, Aai-Maatri, and devotees, the Gosai will be placed on a decorated dol (palanquin). Accompanied by traditional instruments including dand, chakra, bheru, kaali, and conch shells, the procession will proceed from Barbheti to the Doul Mandir, where rituals will be performed, and five circumambulations will be conducted.
Thereafter, the Gosai will be taken in procession to Sri Sri Shaluguri Sattra and Sri Sri Narowa Sattra for circumambulation. At 8 PM, through a special ceremony, the Gosai will re-enter the Kirtan Ghar, marking the conclusion of the religious observances of the Doul Yatra.
Cultural Programmes and Dignitaries
In connection with the festival, cultural programmes are being organised on March 3, 4, and 5 at the riverside stage on the banks of the Akashi Ganga.
The March 3 cultural programme will be inaugurated by Dr. Ashok Kumar Bora, Vice Chancellor of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev University. Jyoti Prasad Das will attend as a distinguished guest.
The March 4 cultural evening will be inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Ministers Keshab Mahanta and Pijush Hazarika, along with MLAs Rupak Sarma and Jitu Goswami, will also be present, among other dignitaries. The March 5 cultural evening will be inaugurated by Satradhikar Janardan Dev Goswami of Sri Sri Uttar Kamalabari Sattra.
The cultural segment will feature performances of Borgeet, Bhaona, Sattriya dance, folk dances, and musical presentations, showcasing the rich Vaishnavite cultural heritage of Assam.