Buka Bihu : The Joyful Rituals
The joyous and muddy celebration of Buka Bihu at Sri Sri Auniati Satra in Majuli, Assam. A 372-year-old Vaishnavite tradition where mud smearing symbolises unity, humility, and spiritual cleansing.
Some events can make even the sternest sadhu crack a smile, I share one such event from the island of Majuli which transformed into a veritable carnival of camaraderie as the Sri Sri Auniati Satra hosted the 372nd edition of Buka Bihu—a tradition older than most family heirlooms and considerably muddier.
Now, before you wrinkle your nose and assume it’s just another excuse for grown adults to play in the muck, let’s set the record straight. This isn’t your garden-variety mud fight, oh no. Buka Bihu is an ancient Vaishnavite tradition observed every Bohag (the Assamese New Year), and its gooey splendour is as spiritual as it is spirited.
Imagine this: elders, Vaishnavs, and wide-eyed youngsters all lined up, armed not with malice but with handfuls of earth—“buka”, as the locals affectionately call it. One might say it’s less “down and dirty” and more “up with the divine.” In what can only be described as a jolly good display of brotherhood, humility, and a distinct lack of clean laundry, the faithful smear each other with mud, chanting and chuckling in equal measure.
When they smear mud on one another, they not just messing about—they washing away ego and celebrating equality. It’s like saying, ‘Look mate, we’re all made of the same stuff—mud today, dust tomorrow.’” Well this is what makes Buka Bihu so special and quite literally down to earth.
And for those who like a bit of science with their spirituality, local belief has it that the ritual even offers protection from skin ailments. Talk about getting your hands dirty for a cause! With muddy hands and cleaner hearts, devotees welcome the New Year not with pomp and show, but with purity, piety, and the odd splash of slush.
Of course, no Assamese celebration is complete without a tune or two, and the Buka Bihu bash was no exception. The Satra echoed with traditional songs, prayers, and the kind of laughter that can only come from sharing a muddy hug with your neighbour. There’s something thoroughly Assamese in the idea—a good laugh, a bit of mess, and everyone mucking in together. Literally.
Majuli, often dubbed the cultural soul of Assam, continues to wear its traditions like a badge of honour—though after Buka Bihu, one might say it’s wearing a bit more than just a badge. Perhaps a full-body mudpack. But in a world increasingly obsessed with sterile surfaces and pristine selfies, there’s something beautifully rebellious about embracing the earth, smearing it on your face, and calling it a celebration of unity.
So here’s to Buka Bihu—where the past meets the present, egos are humbled, and even the cleanest shirt doesn’t stand a chance. If you ever find yourself in Majuli during Bohag, don’t be afraid to get your hands (and face, and clothes) dirty. Just remember to pack a towel. Or better yet, leave the towel and bring an open heart. You’ll fit right in.
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