Sacred rituals, colourful processions and mass prayers mark third day at Sankardev’s birthplace
Nagaon: The third day of the traditional Doul festival unfolded with intense spiritual fervour at Sri Sri Batadrava Than, the revered birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev and regarded as the Second Vaikunthapuri. Thousands of devotees gathered at the historic shrine, turning the premises into a sea of prayer, music, and colour.
As per long-standing customs, the day began with regular religious observances and the traditional Chaidhya Prasanga. The central attraction was the ceremonial Goxai Foruwa, conducted with solemnity and grandeur, reflecting the Than’s deep-rooted Vaishnavite traditions.
District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, IAS, joined the celebrations, offering prayers with reverence and assisting in the ritual circumambulation of the Doul temple seven times, adding official and symbolic significance to the occasion.
The shrine echoed with the rhythmic beats of Gayan-Bayan, devotional chants, and traditional instruments, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Devotees seated Banshi Gopal Goxai on the throne and carried him on their shoulders from the Rabhatal in a vibrant procession accompanied by conch shells, naam-kirtan, and folk performances.
Sprinkled colours brightened the procession route as devotees from across regions immersed themselves in Hari Naam. People from all communities celebrated together through song, dance, and prayer, reaffirming the ideals of equality, harmony, and unity preached by the saint.
The festival once again transformed the sacred Than into a living symbol of Assam’s faith, culture, and collective devotion.
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