Bhatheli

Bhatheli (Assamese: ভঠেলি), also known as Paowra Tola, is a Hindu festival mainly celebrated in North Kamrup, Assam. The festival is held in the month of Vaisakha.[1] In northern Kamrup, it is referred to as "Bhatheli", while in southern Kamrup, it goes by the names "Sori" or "Suanri". In Goalpara, it is known as Sori, and in Darrang, itis called "Deul".[2] Where in the Bajali area of north Kamrup a bamboo is kept against a Banyan tree called "Madan Mohan Gosain",[a] a name of Krishna.[3]

Banikanta Kakati draws attention towards similarity between Bhatheli and ancient Indradhwaja festival.[4] The Indradhwaja festival is described as "Sakrotthana" in the Kalika Purana, and it took place around a pole with flags. The procedures for the festival as described in the Kalika Purana approximate the preparations to be made for the celebrations of Bhatheli of the present days. Barring minor details, the two festivals appear to be the same.[5]

  1. ^ Gopal, Dr Krishna (2003). Fairs and Festivals of India. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-212-0812-3.
  2. ^ Goswami, Praphulladatta (1988). Bohag Bihu of Assam and Bihu Songs. Publication Board, Assam.
  3. ^ Goswami, Praphulladatta (1995). Festivals of Assam. Anundoram Borooah Institute of Language, Art, and Culture.
  4. ^ Banikanta Kakati, Visnuite Myths and Legends, pp. 64-65
  5. ^ D. Sarma (1968), Religious Fairs and Festivals of Assam, Journal of Assam research Society, Vol XVIII


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