Assam: Majuli celebrates 372 years of 'Boka Bihu' with mud and joy

ANI April 15, 2025 148 views

Majuli's Boka Bihu is a remarkable celebration of culture and spirituality rooted in centuries-old traditions. Monks from Auniati Satra engage in a unique mud-smearing ritual that symbolizes purity and community connection. This 372-year-old practice represents more than just a festival—it's a profound expression of human-nature relationship. The celebration continues to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam's river island.

"We prepare a paste made of cow dung and mud and apply it to each other" - Manoj Saikia, Auniati Satra Monk
Majuli, April 15: In the heart of Assam's river island Majuli, the air was filled with laughter, tradition, and the scent of fresh earth as locals and devotees gathered at Sri Sri Auniati Satra to celebrate the 372-year-old Boka Bihu--a unique and sacred tradition that has stood the test of time.

Key Points

1

Ancient Assamese ritual celebrates connection between humans and earth

2

Unique mud ceremony marks Bohag New Year

3

Monks of Auniati Satra preserve 372-year-old tradition

4

Symbolic celebration represents peace and purity

Held as a grand welcome to Bohag, the Assamese New Year, Boka Bihu is unlike any other celebration. Instead of the usual rituals, participants embrace the earth itself--smearing mud on each other's bodies in a joyous, symbolic ritual.

The act, believed to represent peace, purity, and healing, connects the community not just to each other but to the very soil they live upon.

The tradition has been a part of Auniati Satra for 372 years. The mud symbolizes the purity of nature and is believed to have curative powers, cleansing the body and soul.'

Manoj Saikia, monk, Auniati Satra, told ANI, "First of all, I would like to wish you all a very happy Bohag Bihu. This is a tradition of the Auniati Satra of Majuli. Since its beginning, we have been celebrating Boka Bihu. We are Udashin Vaishnavs--unmarried monks of the Auniati Satra, where marriage is not permitted. As there are no women here, we celebrate Bihu in our own unique way. We prepare a paste made of cow dung and mud and apply it to each other. We celebrate this Boka Bihu on the first day of the month of Bohag. The celebration begins by putting a tilak on our Guru."

Majuli, known as the cultural capital of Assam, is home to many forms of Bihu celebrations, but Boka Bihu holds a special place in its heritage.

It is a celebration of joy, unity, and the deep bond between humans and nature, echoing values that have been preserved and passed down through generations.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a beautiful tradition! The connection to nature and community is so pure. I'd love to experience this someday. The photos must be amazing with everyone covered in mud and smiling 😊
R
Rahul D.
As an Assamese living abroad, this makes me so homesick! Boka Bihu is truly special. The way it brings people together while honoring our land... nothing compares. Missing Majuli today ❤️
A
Ananya S.
While I appreciate the cultural significance, I wonder if there's any concern about skin infections from the mud? Maybe they use specially prepared mud? Otherwise, it's fascinating how traditions evolve yet stay meaningful.
J
Jayesh M.
372 years and still going strong! That's incredible cultural preservation. The part about cow dung having healing properties is interesting - reminds me of similar traditions in other cultures. More power to Majuli!
S
Sunita P.
The symbolism is so beautiful - peace, purity and healing through earth. In our modern concrete jungles, we've forgotten how grounding (literally!) such traditions can be. Makes me want to walk barefoot in soil again 🌱
K
Karan T.
I visited Majuli last year and the cultural richness is unmatched. Though I didn't see Boka Bihu, the Satras are incredible. This article makes me want to time my next visit for this festival!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
Boka Bihu Assam Tradition Majuli Bohag New Year Cultural Heritage Assamese Festival
You May Like!