Celebrating the 578th Birth Anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev in Assam

On September 21, Assam marked the 578th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev with vibrant celebrations across the state. The festivities included traditional rituals, processions, and cultural performances at various naamghars and satras. Devotees participated in naam-kirtan, bhagavat processions, and other spiritual activities, reflecting the enduring influence of Sankardev on Assamese culture. Notable events took place in Guwahati, Batadrava, Barpeta, and Digboi, showcasing the rich heritage and devotion of the people. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of following Sankardev's ideals of knowledge and compassion during this significant occasion.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 13:11 IST

A Day of Spiritual Celebration in Assam

Bamunimaidam Jyotinagar Naamghar conducting a spiritual procession in Guwahati on Monday (Photo: AT)

Guwahati, Sept 21: On Monday, Assam celebrated the 578th Abirbhav Tithi (birth anniversary) of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev with great enthusiasm at various satras and naamghars throughout the state, honoring the Vaishnavite saint’s profound impact on Assamese culture and spirituality.

The festivities included naam-kirtan, naam-prasanga, bhagavat processions, gayan-bayan, bhaona, and other traditional events, attracting numerous devotees and visitors to significant religious sites.

In Guwahati, the Bamunimaidam Jyotinagar Naamghar organized a religious procession as part of the celebrations. Throughout the day, naam-kirtan events were planned, culminating in a bhaona performance in the evening.

At Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Sankardev, a three-day celebration commenced on Sunday, featuring a variety of religious and cultural activities.

The Abirbhav Mahotsav at Barpeta Satra also kicked off on Monday, showcasing traditional Satriya rituals. Bura Satriya Dr. Babul Chandra noted that this occasion has been celebrated annually since the Satra's inception.

The first day included a Bhagavat Subha Jatra, where the sacred idol was paraded through the town, followed by Gayan-Bayan performances at night.

On Tuesday, over 1,000 women are expected to perform goxa for approximately two hours, with the Bura Satriya concluding the spiritual observance with a prayer.

At Khatara Satra in Darrang, the celebrations began with women performing diha naam, alongside public prayers and khol prayers, engaging devotees throughout the day.

In Majuli, the three-day observance at Raonapar Bornamghar Satra started with a Bhagavat Jatra, followed by naam-kirtan and an open-air event featuring speeches and dance performances.

At the historic Ramraikuti Satra in Dhubri district, devotees gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary with religious zeal.

Devotees participating in a procession in Dhubri for the 578th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Sankardev (Photo: AT)

Devotees walked barefoot in a naam procession through nearby villages such as Borohati, Rampurihati, Chararpar, Chatam, and Nawhati. A pilgrimage was also made to an ancient Ou tree near the international border, where it is believed that Sankardev anchored his boat during his travels.

In Digboi, devotees from 19 naamghars gathered at Golai Milanpur Naamghar for naam-Prasanga, filling the town with the chants of Hari Naam.

The anniversary was also celebrated at the historic Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar and Moinapuria Naamghar in Jorhat.

At Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, naam-prasanga, kirtan recitations, borgeet performances, and other religious activities took place from early morning. A Bhagavat procession attracted devotees from Dhekiakhowa and surrounding areas.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Mahapurush Sankardev, referring to him as the “guiding light of Assamese society.” He encouraged the public to embrace Sankardev’s principles of knowledge, devotion, and compassion.

Born in 1449 at Bordowa Than in present-day Nagaon district, Sankardev is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite movement, leaving a lasting legacy in the state’s art, literature, music, and cultural traditions.