Assam: Doul festival concludes with spirited celebrations at Barpeta Satra

The vibrant and spiritually rich celebrations of the Doul Festival, also known as "Suweri Utsava," concluded today at the historic Barpeta Satra. Thousands of devotees gathered at this revered site, established by Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdeva, a disciple of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, to pay homage to Lord Krishna.

The day commenced with solemn prayers led by Deka Satriya of Barpeta Satra, symbolizing devotion through ritualistic gestures such as the sprinkling of faku. These ceremonies embodied the essence of Sattriya culture, rooted in reverence and tradition.

As the festivities progressed, the air filled with devotional hymns, echoing the spirit of Suweri and transcending the boundaries of Barpeta Satra. Rituals included the procession of the Gossains (Kaliya Thakur and Doul Govinda) to Kanara Satra for "Heketa," followed by their return to Barpeta Satra.

A significant tradition unfolded at the entrance of Barpeta Satra, where devotees enacted a symbolic argument between the followers of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna. After seven encirclements around the Kirtan ghor, Lord Krishna was permitted to enter the main prayer hall, culminating in the "Bolboloni" tradition and the payment of fines to the devotees of Goddess Lakshmi.

The festival, steeped in religious customs and heritage, showcased the unity and devotion of the devotees towards Lord Krishna. With the chanting of "Sandhya Samayat Karia Anek Kirtan, Grihor vitare Pailanta Madhav," the idols of Lord Krishna were welcomed into the Kirtan Ghar, marking the conclusion of this year's Doul Festival at Barpeta Satra.