CM Himanta joins centuries-old Doul Utsav at Barpeta Satra

Guwahati: The historic Barpeta Satra, located about 95km west of Guwahati, seemed to breathe with centuries of devotion — its 443-year-old corridors, crafted by Mahapurush Madhabdev, glowing in the soft colours of festivity on the second day of Doul Utsav.

Amid rhythms of ‘kirtan’ and ‘Holi Geets’ (traditional devotional Holi songs) and the fragrance of fresh ‘abir’ (colours), CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stepped into the sacred heart of the celebration. With folded hands, he offered his prayers to ‘Koila Baba’ (Sri Krishna), becoming part of the ancient, living tapestry of faith that the Satra has guarded for generations.


“Visiting the Barpeta Satra during Doul Utsav is an experience unlike any other. The place fills you with an unexplainable surge of energy. Every Holi, I make it a point to visit the Satra — drawn back by its spirit, its warmth, and the devotion that lingers in the air,” Sarma said. “There’s no bigger joy than celebrating festivals with your family and when it’s Holi, it has to be in Barpeta,” he added.

The CM said his govt has plans to promote Barpeta’s iconic ‘Holi Geet’ on the world platform on the lines of Bihu dance, Jhumoir of the tea tribe community and the Bagurumba dance of the Bodo community, which were performed on a mega scale in recent years.

“I have a plan to promote Barpeta’s iconic ‘Holi Geet’ on the world platform. But we cannot go for that now as assembly elections are nearing. Therefore, steps will be initiated after the elections,” he said.

Over centuries, Barpeta Satra has evolved into a centre of Neo-Vaishnavism, famed for its Kirtanghar, Sattriya dance traditions, Borgeet, Bhaona performances, and grand festivals such as Raasleela and Doul Utsav, which attract thousands of devotees. Here, Holi is not just a festival — it is heritage, devotion and a living rhythm passed down through generations.

The festival, observed here for the past 443 years, carries a legacy that sets it apart. While Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva first introduced Doul Utsav at the Bordowa Satra, it was Shree Shree Mathura Das Bura Ata who brought the celebration to Barpeta. After assuming the mantle of Bura Satriya in 1595AD, he organised the first Doul Utsav within the Barpeta Satra premises in 1596AD, laying the foundation for a tradition that continues to thrive with unmatched devotion and splendour.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !