Be a part of the vibrant gathering at Barpeta Doul Utsav of Assam and experience the real joy of Holi amidst the cultural liveliness.
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Celebrated in the Barpeta district of Assam, the Barpeta Doul Utsav is one of the most popular social and cultural celebrations of Holi in India. It is a unique event with strong roots in the Vaishnavite customs of the Barpeta Satra. Its main purpose is to recall the story of Lord Krishna’s visit to his partner Ghunusa.
“Baje Dhol baje Khol, holir uthise role
sorone nupuro baje, aji he gokulo maje modhuro muruli baje“
In Assam, Holi is celebrated in a special way to commemorate Radha Krishna’s eternal love and to mark the start of spring. The statue of Lord Krishna, also known as “Kalia Gosain” by the locals, is carried about ceremoniously in a procession as devotees pay their respects at Barpeta Doul Utsav, a festival that is widely observed in Barpeta Satra.
The people of Assam, particularly those in Barpeta, actively celebrate the Barpeta Doul Utsav, which is also referred to as the “Deul” in the local dialect. While Holi is celebrated throughout India, it is known as Doul Utsav in Barpeta. Barpeta Doul Utsav, commonly known as “Rang” or “fakuwa,” is a festival of joy and color.
History of Barpeta Doul Utsav
Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva founded Doul Utsava following his outstanding work Chihnajatra. In addition, he composed a few Holi geets to commemorate the colorful occasion.
At Barpeta, Mathura Das Bura Ata first celebrated Barpeta Doul Utsav based on the concept of Vaikuntha or heaven because Doul Utsav was first celebrated in heaven. Intricate ceremonies and performances that were witnessed throughout the festivities were also coordinated by him.
Following that, the Doul Utsav has been observed at Barpeta Satra adopting the satriya tradition to this day. Additionally, Barpeta Satra is known as Ditiya Vaikuntha Puri, meaning the second heaven.
Why is it celebrated?
“Tehi mote Jagganath e nijo doulo saari
Koutuhole soli janto Ghunusa ro bari“
The story of Lord Krishna’s visit to his lover Ghunusa, which infuriates his wife Mother Lakshmi, is the basis for the Barpeta Doul Utsav. After visiting Ghunuca’s house, Kolia Thakur (Lord Krishna) is expected to return to Mother Lakshmi’s home.
On the first day of the Utsav, the whole group of people carries the deity in a procession to Kanariya Satra, which is about half a mile away. However, when it is returned to Barpeta, the gate of the prayer house is blocked with a sturdy bamboo, making it impossible for Kolia Thakur to enter. This represents Lakshmi’s rage.
On the final day, the devotees split into two factions, one of whom supports Krishna and the other his spouse. They then get into a furious dispute and eventually tear down bamboo barriers. The magnificent Barpeta Doul Utsav comes to a conclusion when Krishna secures his entry inside the shrine following a captivating argument between the two sides.
Various events of the Utsav
Three to five days are dedicated to celebrating Barpeta Doul Utsav. “Burha Doul” refers to a three-day Doul, whereas “Deka Doul” refers to a four- or five-day Doul. In accordance with custom, Doul is celebrated for four days during the month of Phagun Purnima (full moon) and for three days during the month of Chot Purnima (full moon).
“Jaake Jaake Bhumura gunjore kusume, poloke poloke pulok jogaise, aabir loi ronge“
First day: Gandha, also known as Banhutsava, is the first day of Barpeta Doul Utsav. Vaishnavas burn Mezi, a traditional bonfire, on this significant day. For this reason, it is also known as the “festival of bonfires.” Along with singers and musicians, Mahaprabhu Doul Govinda and Kalia Thakur are carried out of the sacred shrine to the courtyard that evening.
After being taken close to the mezi, Mahaprabhu takes seven rounds around it. We refer to it as Mezi puoa. The primary attraction of Gandha is the Atachbaji, or fireworks. The people of Barpeta enthusiastically sing the Holi geets when Mahaprabhu is taken to doul ghar during a sacred period at night.
Second day: Bhar Doul is the name given to the second day. Ojapali (folk dance and song), Gayan-Bayan (devotional songs), and Naam-Prasanga (communal prayers) are held by the Vaishnavas. During these days, Dhuliya nritya is also held.
Last day: The final day is known as Suweri or Phakua. Mahaprabhu is taken out and positioned within the prayer house in his original spot in the morning. When Kaliya Thakur and Mahaprabhu are brought back to the courtyard at midday, the people of Barpeta joyfully display their Holi colors (phaku-guri). Holi geets and their sound reverberate across Barpeta. On the last day of the Barpeta Doul Utsav, the town is tinted in pink hues, which is a sight to behold.
Also Read: Making Of Majuli Masks: An Artistic Treasure of Assam
Holi geet and its importance
“Phagu khele karunamay a nanda kumara devara durlava keli phagur bihar“
The Holi geets of Barpeta are extremely popular and capture the affection of all Assamese. These beautiful compositions, known as Holi geets, are dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Holi geet was composed by Mahapurush Madhavdev to celebrate the Barpeta Doul Utsav. Holi geets are essentially devotional melodies that convey the sheer devotion of the devotees.
The vibrant beauty of nature is also displayed through the substance of Holi geet. The captivating melody of Holi geet is quite captivating. Typically, Holi songs feature the taal (cymbal) and dhulki as musical instruments. The fundamental characteristic of Holi geet is the joyousness of the people singing them together, and they are not a monotonous form of music.
Cultural revival and the growing popularity
The celebration of Holi is just one aspect of the Barpeta Doul Utsav. For the people of Barpeta, it is a part of their cultural identity. The century-old custom of the Barpeta Doul Utsav dates back to the time of Guru Srimanta Sankardeva.
People from different backgrounds come together in the Barpeta district for the Barpeta Doul Utsav, which serves as a common thread. Beyond the boundaries of caste, creed, and religion, it promotes a sense of belonging and solidarity among the locals.
Barpeta’s history of celebrating the festival of colors in a unique and magnificent style has made it a popular destination for tourists from all over India, the world, and Assam to witness Doul Utsav. The celebration also marks the arrival of the bright and colorful spring season, which is full of liveliness and fresh starts, after the winter months.
How to be a part of this festival?
The Barpeta Doul Utsav takes place every year in Barpeta Satra of Assam in the month of March during the festival of Holi. The Barpeta Doul Utsav 2025 will be held from the 13th to the 16th of March. Barpeta town is located 90 kilometers (56 mi) northwest of Guwahati and is one of the major cities in Western Assam. It is also called Satra Nagari (Temple Town) of Assam.
Barpeta town is connected to National Highway 31 through Howley, and National Highway 427 via Hajo-Doula Shal connects it to Guwahati. The nearest railway station is Barpeta Road, the nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, and the nearest port is Dhubri.
Rimjim Bora is a passionate researcher, writer, and storyteller. Being an Assamese, she takes pride in writing the vibrant stories of Assam, sharing its essence beyond the region. Contact Rimjim at rimjim@diversityassam.com.
