In the cultural map of Assam, Jamugurihat area in Sonitpur district has a special place due to it hosting the Barechaharia Bhaona amidst pomp and grandeur. This great tradition of Barechaharia Bhaona began started in 1797 AD at a paddy field named Raghudoloni at Panchigaon situated in the southern side of greater Jamugurihat area. Since its inception, Barechaharia Bhaona, the pride of Jamugurihat has been at the forefront of spreading and promoting Vaishnavite culture, especially the bhaona culture. It is a matter of great joy that the people of this agriculture-based area still uphold the this tradition in its original shape and flavour. With passing of time, Barechaharia Bhaona has been able to draw the attention of people from every nook and corner of the country and it has also become a symbol of solidarity and brotherhood.
With an aim to propagate neo-Vaishnavite ideals, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva innovated a dramatic form of Hindu epics (Mahabharata; Ramayana) and the puranas, which is called bhaona. These bhaonas later on became the cultural identity of a greater Assamese society. In most of the them, the themes showcase the omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent qualities of Lord Krishna and Lord Ramchandra. Though the initial aim of the bhaona (the theatrical performance) was religious, later it took on social and cultural responsibilities to strengthen social bonding.
The �bhaona� movement which was Sankaradeva�s brainchild became a precious asset of Assamese culture. The multi-dimensional qualities of Sankaradeva as a creator of a great art come before us quite vividly when this charismatic personality added the flavours of �sutradhar�, �gayan bayans�,. �khol-taal�, �doot� and �bahua� alongwith the main actors of the dramas, whom the people called the �bhaoria�. These are not mere ornamental devices of the main bhaona, but integral and indispensable elements needed to create bhakti (devotion) among the masses. The language of bhaona is as special as its other parts, because it is not the common dialect of the society. In fact the language of bhaona �Brajabuli� was a unique creation of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva. Still popular among the masses, it is a blend of Maithili and Assamese languages. A naamghar provides the arena to showcase the bhaona for peace and tranquility.
Barechaharia Bhaona of Jamugurihat is like a mirror that reflects the ideals of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva�s art and culture. Since the very beginning, Barechaharia Bhaona has been working relentlessly for the well-being of Sankari culture. Though it was started at Raghudoloni, later it was shifted to Pokamura Pathar (a paddy field adjacent to the NH-52). For the last couple of decades, it has been celebrated in this arena at an interval of 5 to 7 years. Every time 20/21 village-troupes participate in this cultural extravaganza and they are known as khola. For each khola, there are separate naamghars under one roof, which is built by locally available materials like bamboo and thatch in the shape of a lotus. All the naamghars are joined one by one in a circle where the common altar (thapana) is placed. The vast top-cover resembles a lotus with petals unfolded. Entering the Barechaharia Bhaona Kshetra which is a magnificent representation of rural art and craftsmanship, makes one ecstatic.
Generally the festival is held in the month of April (Chot Purnima) before the Bohag Bihu. But since 2013, it is being celebrated on Phagun Purnima. For the last 220 years it has been sending a great social message of assimilation. The dreams of Srimanta Sankaradeva to form a greater Assam get visual identity in this sleepy town of Jamugurihat through Barechaharia Bhaona.
�Sonit Knowar� Gajen Baruah, an artiste, cultural organizer of yesteryears was the chief architect of Barechaharia Bhaona�s present look and fame. He is credited with introducing the Barechaharia Bhaona in front of the world. ( The Barechaharia Bhaona will begin on March 1 and come to an end on March 4).