Dol Jatra is the most prominent festival celebrated at Barpeta Satra, established by Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdeva.
- Barpeta Satra is known as the second ‘Baikunthapuri’ and a center of Neo-Vaishnavite culture.
Festival Duration & Naming
- The duration of the festival varies from three to five days.
- If the Full Moon Day of Fagun falls in Fagun, it is called ‘Deka Dol’, celebrated for four to five days.
- If the Full Moon Day falls in Chat, it is called ‘Burha Dol’, celebrated for three days.
Key Rituals & Events
- March 13 (‘Gondh’ or ‘Bahnutshava’)
- Idols of Dol Gobinda and Kalia Thakur will be taken out of the Manikut and placed in the ‘Jagmohan Griha’ after seven rounds around the meji.
- A grand fireworks display by local artisans will be a major attraction.
- March 14-15 (‘Bhar Dol’)
- Devotees from across the state will offer prayers to Dol Gobinda and Kalia Gosai.
- March 16 (‘Suweri’ or ‘Fakuwa’)
- Dol Gobinda will be taken to Kalbari Satra for the traditional offering of ‘Heketa’ in the afternoon.
- The festival will conclude with Dol Gobinda being taken back to the Manikut after seven rounds around the sattra temple.
- Religious & Cultural Activities
- Rituals such as ‘Gurughat’, ‘Dhemali’, ‘Byaha’, and Kirtan Ghosha will be performed daily.
- Cultural events include:
- Holi Geet competitions
- ‘Dhulia’ performances
- Kirtan and devotional songs
Dol Yatra in Other Sattras
- The festival is also celebrated in other sattras established by Srimanta Sankardeva, Madhabdeva, and their disciples, including:
- Sundaridia, Patbaushi, Jania Baradi, Ganakkuchi, Gajia, and Keokuchi.
This festival not only holds religious significance but also strengthens the cultural identity of Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite tradition.
