City recalls Srimanta Sankardeva

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 11: The 568th birth anniversary of 15th-16th century saint Srimanta Sankardeva was observed in all amghars in the city and in some residence premises (Vaishvite mosteries) as a part of three-day celebration beginning today.

Amidst incessant rains, the first day of the celebration featured Usha Kirton (a procession by playing khol and chanting the me of God) at dawn, followed by a Bhagawat shova jatra (a procession taking the holy epic Bhgawat) were taken out from Six Mile amghar, Survey amghar, Rukhmini Gaon amghar and other amghars of the city.

Devotees started thronging the amghars for am prasanga and paal am (Vaishvite rituals of offering prayers). Prior to that, that they took part in a bonti prajjyalan programme (lighting of a ceremonial lamp) before the Guru Asa and the singhaasa (the seat of the mentor and the throne) respectively.

Ankiats (plays written by Sankardeva), Borgeet (the songs of the saint), gara am (a vaishvite ritual of offering prayers) Xatriya dance, etc., are some  performances that were scheduled towards the evening at the amghars.

The 15th-16th century saint’s contribution to socio- cultural and religious spheres is the building blocks of the greater Assamese identity.