NewKerala.com

Assam's Majuli celebrates Bohag Bihu with 373-year-old mud-smearing ritual

The river island of Majuli in Assam celebrated the Assamese New Year, Bohag Bihu, with the unique 373-year-old Boka Bihu ritual at Sri Sri Auniati Satra. Participants joyfully smeared a mixture of mud and cow dung on each other, a practice deeply rooted in the region's cultural and spiritual fabric. The ritual, preserved by Udashin Vaishnav monks, is believed to have curative properties for skin issues and powerfully strengthens community bonds. Alongside the mud application, the day features traditional games like 'Bokakhel' and devotional singing, highlighting Majuli's status as a cultural capital.

Key Points: Majuli's 373-year-old Boka Bihu mud ritual marks Assamese New Year

  • 373-year-old tradition
  • Mud and cow dung application
  • Symbolizes peace and healing
  • Fosters community unity
  • Held at Sri Sri Auniati Satra
2 min read

Majuli marks Bohag Bihu with 373-year-old Boka Bihu mud ritual

Devotees in Majuli celebrate Bohag Bihu with a centuries-old tradition of applying mud and cow dung, symbolizing peace, healing, and community unity.

"This tradition has continued for over 372 years. It is a cultural practice that strengthens brotherhood among us. - Ananta Kalita"

Majuli, April 15

In a striking celebration of tradition and community, Assam's river island Majuli came alive with a centuries-old ritual as devotees gathered at Sri Sri Auniati Satra on Wednesday to mark Boka Bihu, welcoming the Assamese New Year, Bohag, with an unusual mud-smearing practice.

The 373-year-old tradition, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the region, saw participants joyfully applying a mixture of mud and cow dung to each other's bodies.

Unlike conventional festivities, Boka Bihu embraces the earth as a symbol of peace, purity, and healing, creating a powerful connection between people and nature.

Held annually at Auniati Satra, the ritual has been preserved for over three centuries, reflecting the spiritual and cultural ethos of the Udashin Vaishnav monks who reside there. The practice is believed to carry curative properties, especially for skin-related issues, while also fostering unity among participants.

Speaking to ANI, Manoj Saikia, a monk at Auniati Satra, said, "First of all, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Bohag Bihu. This is a tradition of Auniati Satra in Majuli. Since its inception, we have been celebrating Boka Bihu. We are Udashin Vaishnavs, unmarried monks, and since women do not reside here, we celebrate Bihu in our own unique way. We prepare a paste of cow dung and mud and apply it to each other. The celebration begins by offering a tilak to our Guru."

Highlighting the significance of the ritual, another monk, Ananta Kalita, told ANI, "This tradition has continued for over 372 years. It is a cultural practice that strengthens brotherhood among us. A traditional game called 'Bokakhel' is also played on this day. Along with this, Naam Kirtan continues in the Satras, where devotees gather together. The tradition is also believed to have health benefits, especially for certain skin-related issues, which is why it continues even today."

Majuli, often regarded as the cultural capital of Assam, is home to diverse Bihu celebrations. Among them, Boka Bihu stands out as a vibrant expression of unity, heritage, and the enduring bond between humans and nature.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Amazing to see such traditions alive. The use of mud and cow dung, considered pure in our culture, for healing and unity is fascinating. Majuli is truly a cultural treasure. Would love to witness this someday.
A
Ananya R
While I respect the tradition, I do hope the article also mentions if there are any modern health precautions taken? Applying mud and dung, even with believed curative properties, should be done safely. Preservation is good, but so is adapting with care.
M
Manoj Q
This is what makes our country incredible. Every region has its own unique way of celebrating life and community. "Bokakhel" and Naam Kirtan along with this... sounds like a perfect Bihu celebration. Heartwarming to read.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for work, I'm constantly amazed by the depth of cultural practices here. A ritual for peace, purity, and healing that's 373 years old is mind-blowing. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into Assamese culture.
K
Karthik V
Unity in diversity in action! The Udashin Vaishnav monks preserving this for centuries shows incredible dedication. The belief in health benefits from nature's elements is something our ancestors understood well. More power to such traditions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50