BARPETA, March 20 - The Sri Krishna Doul Mahotsav will be observed in the historical Barpeta Satra with a three-day-long programme from March 22 to 24. Massive preparation is going on in full swing for the festival to be celebrated according to the Satriya tradition and rituals.
According to the information provided by Mahananda Pathak, secretary of the Satra Management Committee, the first day of the festival will be observed as Bahnutsava or Gondh jatra. Dol Gobinda will be brought from the Manikut or the Bhajghar of the Satra with Gayan Bayan through the eastern door to the forecourt of the Math after the afternoon prayer that day.
On the other hand, Kalia Thakur will be brought through the main entrance and both the Gods will be kept on a big Sarai in the forecourt. The devotees will take them to a Meji where they will move the Gods for seven times and keep in the Jagmohan Griha after 8 pm. Fireworks will be exhibited by the local artisans.
Bhar Doul will be observed on March 23. After the routine morning prayers, recitation from Bhagabat, performance by Gayan Bayan, Bhojan Byabahar, Ghosha Kirtan, and Byas Kirtan will be carried out that day. Burha Satriya of the Satra will offer prayer to the Gods with colours followed by other devotees all day long.
The famous Suweri of Barpeta Satra will be observed on March 24, the last day of the festival. Dol Gobinda and the Kalia Thakur will be taken to the Kalbari Satra in a huge procession in the afternoon that day.
On their return, bamboo obstacle will be erected in the entrance which they will have to dismantle to have an entry to the temple. Then they will be encircled for seven times around the temple and kept in the original altars of the Satra. In the mean time, Bol Bolani the argumentation between Srikrishna and Lakshmi will be going on.
Cultural programmes mainly based on Satriya tradition will be performed each evening. Besides, on the eve of the festival, a state-level competition on Holi songs for both male and female has also been organised on March 21.
