Bordowa Than

Bordowa 'Batadrava' Than is a holy pilgrimage site in Nagaon, Assam. It is located in the birthplace of the great Assamese saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardev. Sankardev at the age of 19, established the Bordowa Than in 1468, it is also the first Namghar or Than constructed. The rituals of this Than is conducted according to the norms of Purush sanghati. The pilgrimage site is located at Batadrava, about 16 km from Nagaon city and it covers an area of 16 bigha.
Srimanta Sankardev constructed a spacious prayer house (Namghar) and chari hati (huts of devotees), where daily recitals of prayer and discussion could be held at the request of his brother Ram Raiya. From here Sankardev propagated the teachings of Ekasarana Dharma till the age of 67, after this due to disturbances created by the neighboring tribes and Kachari King, he abandoned this place. After his abandonment, this place became deserted and it was finally re-discovered by the granddaughter-in-law Kanaklata.
Bordowa Than has a long history of dispute over its claims of ownership and it was divided into two Satras namely Narowa and Salaguri. In the reign of Ahom King Kamaleswar Singha, its case of dispute reached the court and he sent his ministers Purnananda Burhagohain and Bhandari Borbarua to settle the disputes and in conclusion the Than was equally divided between both. But in 1958, it was reunified and both the former Satras were combined under the banner of 'Bordowa Than', and one big Namghar was created.
The Than covers an area of 16 bigha and is surrounded by a brick wall. It has two entrances (batchora).
Kirtan Ghar: The spacious prayer house or Kirtan ghar is situated in the middle of the than premise. It was originally built by Sankardev with impermanent materials and the present structure was built in 1958, measuring 180 ft. long and 85 ft. breadth.
Manikut: Manikut is attached to the Kirtan ghar and the sacred texts, scriptures, and manuscripts are kept there.
The other structures lying within the campus are: Natghar, Alohighar, Sabhaghar, Rabhaghar, Hatipukhuri, Aakashi Ganga, Doul mandir etc. There is also one mini museum, which displays various kinds of historical articles of the Than.
For the smooth functioning the Than's rituals and prayers, the Sattradhikar (head of the (Than) Satra) appoints a number of functionaries such as: (i) Bar Bhagavati, (ii) Bar pathak, (iii) Bar Namlogowa, (iv) Deuri, (v) Bar Bharali, (vi) Bar aldhara, (vii) Bar Gayana (viii) Bar Bayana, the chief instrumentalist (ix) Chaul Bharali, (x) Bar Sarvani, (xi) Oja.
The Sattradhikar is the head of the (Than) Satra. Following is the list of the Sattradhikars of the Narowa and Salaguri Satras.
Narowa Sattradhikar
Salaguri Sattradhikar
The Than organizes various kinds of functions and festivals here such as:
Batadrava Doul Jatra, celebrated in Bordowa, Assam, is a significant festival that marks the state's first organized Holi celebration, dating back to the time of the revered saint, Srimanta Sankardev. This five-day festival, held annually in March, is deeply rooted in Assamese culture and spirituality, attracting devotees and visitors from various regions.
Historical Significance
Srimanta Sankardev, a 15th-century saint-scholar, playwright, and social-religious reformer, established Bordowa as his birthplace. He introduced the Doul Jatra festival to promote Bhakti (devotion) among the masses, integrating cultural performances with religious observances. This initiative not only enriched Assamese cultural heritage but also laid the foundation for organized Holi celebrations in the region.
Festival Overview
The Doul Jatra spans five days, each imbued with unique rituals and cultural activities:
1. Gandh (First Day): The festival commences with the ceremonial bathing of a small idol of Lord Krishna in milk and other auspicious substances, symbolizing purity and divinity. The idol is then adorned with new clothes, marking the beginning of the festivities.
2. Guxai Murot Faku Dia (Second Day): On this day, colored powders, known as 'faku,' are applied exclusively to the deity, signifying the sanctity of the occasion. Devotees refrain from playing with colors among themselves, focusing their devotion on Lord Krishna.
3. Doul Jatra (Third Day): This day witnesses a vibrant procession where devotees carry the decorated idol of Lord Krishna on a palanquin, accompanied by traditional music and dance. People joyfully play with colors, embodying the spirit of Holi while maintaining a deep sense of devotion.
4. Namghar Prayers and Mela (Fourth and Fifth Days): The concluding days are dedicated to communal prayers at the Namghar (prayer hall), where devotees gather for spiritual discourses and hymns. Simultaneously, a fair (mela) is organized, offering shopping opportunities and entertainment, fostering community bonding and cultural exchange.
Cultural Vibrancy
The Batadrava Doul Jatra is not merely a festival but a confluence of devotion, art, and community spirit. Traditional music and dance forms, such as Borgeet (devotional songs) and Sattriya (classical dance), are performed, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Assam. The festival also serves as a platform for local artisans and vendors, boosting the local economy and preserving traditional crafts.
Conclusion
Batadrava Doul Jatra stands as a testament to Assam's profound cultural and spiritual heritage. Initiated by Srimanta Sankardev, this five-day festival encapsulates the essence of devotion, community, and celebration, marking the origin of organized Holi festivities in the region. Each day of the festival offers a unique experience, inviting participants to immerse themselves in rituals, colors, prayers, and communal harmony.
the tithis or the death anniversaries of the Vaisnava saints, Srimanta Sankardev and Mahapurush Madhavdev, Janmastami, Nandotsava, Ras Jatra ceremonies, etc. and performance of Sattriya culture.