Doul Mahotsava
Representative image

Massive reparations are going on at the Barpeta Satra here to celebrate the Sri Sri Krishna Doul Mahotsava with a five-day programme from February 28 to March 4.

17 subcommittees to look into different aspects such as publicity, cultural activities, hospitality and reception have been formed and they are working in full swing to make the festival a grand success which is to be celebrated with full satriya rituals and traditions.

The first day of the Doul festival this year will be observed as Bahnutsava or Gondhjatra.

After the daily afternoon prayer, Doulgobinda and Kaliyagosai will be brought out of the manikut or the bhajghar accompanied by gayan bayan through the eastern doors.

Both the idols will be kept in the forecourt of the matha. Both of them will be encircled seven times around the meji in the evening and then erected on the doul. Fireworks by local artistes will be exhibited that evening.

Bhardoul will be observed on the March 1, 2 and 3. Just after the regular morning rituals, prasanga by both male and female devotees, recitation of Bhagawata, bhojan byabahar, Ghosha kirtan and Byas kirtan will be performed in ‘Jagmohan griha’ on all the days.

The Burha Satriya of the satra will offer prayers with faku on the first day of the Bhardoul which will be followed by other devotees during these two days.

Though the altars of the Gods will remain on the doul from the Bahnutsava, after 10 pm on the March 2, they will be brought to ‘Jagmohan griha’ due to some astrological happenings during the Uttarfalguni Nakshatra.

The Fakuwa or the famous Suweri of Barpeta will be celebrated on March 4, the last day of the festival.

Several cultural programmes have been lined up on all the four days of the Doul celebration. A state- level Holi Geet competition will be held on February 28, the day of the Gondhjatra.