Bijni, Oct 25: For 14 days, Bijni will be immersed in devotion, music and festivity as its 135th Sri Sri Lakshmi Puja and Mela gets under way on Sunday, bringing the curtain up on a celebration steeped in history and cultural tradition that runs until November 7.
The annual festival is believed to have originated under the patronage of Koch king Bijit Narayan.
Over the years, it has grown into a major gathering for Bijni and neighbouring districts, drawing devotees, traders and visitors for its blend of religious observances, cultural programmes and commercial attractions.
Preparations are in full swing at the Lakshmi Temple premises and public grounds, with organisers extending the cultural programmes until midnight this year to give visitors more time to participate in the festivities.
The organising committee hoisted the festival flag on Sunday morning, ahead of the formal inauguration scheduled for 6 pm in the presence of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Hagrama Mohilary and other dignitaries.
“We hoisted the flag this morning, and the 14-day programme will be inaugurated by Hagrama Mohilary at 6 pm. Many other dignitaries will also be present. From tomorrow, fairs will be held across three grounds, featuring a trade fair, circus and other attractions. The cultural programmes will continue until midnight,” a member of the organising committee said.
The fairs are expected to draw crowds with their mix of religious observances, cultural activities and commercial attractions. The Chirang district administration is supporting the event, while the organising committee plans to deploy volunteers, including women, to help manage crowds and ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities.
Music will be a major attraction, with competitions celebrating some of Assam’s most cherished musical traditions. A Zubeen Sangeet competition, accompanied by a tribute programme, is scheduled for November 1 from 8 pm. The first prize is Rs 5,001 and a trophy, while the second and third prizes are Rs 3,001 and Rs 2,001, respectively, along with trophies.
The musical line-up will continue with a Pratima Barua Pandey singing competition on November 2, followed by a Bhupendra Sangeet competition on November 5.
Beyond the musical events, the festival will feature naam performances by women devotees and literary competitions at the Lakshmi Temple premises, bringing devotional music and literary pursuits into the wider celebrations.
Now in its 135th year, Bijni’s Lakshmi Puja and Mela remains a significant community gathering, bringing together religious devotion, Assam’s cultural heritage and the festive spirit of a town preparing to welcome visitors over two weeks.