Bhada maah plays a crucial role in weaving together the social, religious, and agricultural fabric of Assam, making it a time of deep cultural significance
The Bhada month, or Bhado or Bhadrab, is the sixth month in the Assamese calendar, corresponding to August-September in the Gregorian calendar. This month holds particular significance in Assamese culture, mainly for its association with agriculture, festivals and spiritual practices. Bhada is crucial for farmers as it marks the period when the paddy fields are on their way towards full bloom. The monsoon rains are vital during this time, as they determine the success of the crops, especially rice, which is a staple in Assam.
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The festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami, often falls in the Bhada month. This is a significant event in Assamese culture, with temples and households observing fasts, prayers, and cultural programs. In the days leading up to Janmashtami, Satras and Naamghars (community prayer halls), are thoroughly cleaned and beautifully decorated. Devotees adorn the prayer halls with flowers, leaves, and traditional Assamese motifs. In many Satras, the Naam-Kirtan begins early in the evening and continues through the night, leading up to the moment of Lord Krishna's birth at midnight. In a dialogue with a senior citizen of Guwahati, he remarked that,“Throughout my upbringing, I have gained insight into the religious significance of Bhada month, a period marked by my family's long-standing practice of presenting 'xorai' at Naamghars in Silpukhuri and Nizarapar.” He further mentioned that the religious assemblies at Naamghar during the holy month of Bhada, constitute a time-honored custom and are deeply ingrained in the social fabric of our community. “The latest occurrences of social turmoil and political transformations are detrimental. The customs of Bhadamaah foster brotherhood and togetherness.The responsibility rests with the succeeding generation to perpetuate these esteemed traditions and cultivate a more harmonious community,” he concluded.
Majuli, the world's largest river island located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, holds a special place in Assamese culture, particularly for its association with the Neo-Vaishnavism movement led by Sri Sri Srimanta Sankardeva. The island is known for its vibrant cultural activities, and during the Bhada month (August-September), several significant events and activities take place, reflecting the spiritual and agricultural importance of the period. The island's numerous Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) come alive with devotional activities, including Naam-Kirtan (devotional singing), recitations from the Bhagavad Gita, and dramatic performances known as Ankiya Naat that depict episodes from Krishna's life. The festivities also feature traditional dances like Sattriya, a classical dance form that emerged in Assam's Satras, offering performances that are deeply spiritual and appealing to both devotees and tourists. Majuli is known for its rich tradition of mask-making, particularly for use in religious and cultural performances. During Bhada, artisans often work on creating masks for the upcoming festivals and plays, especially those depicting the life of Krishna.During the Bhada month (August-September), when various religious and cultural activities peak, including Janmashtami celebrations, Bhaona performances are particularly prominent.Bhaona is a traditional form of theater that plays a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the community of this river island. A unique aspect of these performances is the use of traditional masks, which are integral to depicting the characters from Hindu mythology, particularly those from the epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The masks are primarily made from materials like bamboo, clay, cloth, and cow dung. The process of making these masks is intricate and deeply rooted in the local traditions of Majuli. Bamboo strips form the base, which is then covered with layers of cloth soaked in a mixture of clay and cow dung. Once dried, the masks are painted with natural colors derived from local plants. Masks representing Gods like Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, and Rama are crafted with calm and serene expressions. These masks are typically embellished with crowns and vivid hues to represent the divine essence of the characters. Masks embodying demons, such as Ravana, Hiranyakashipu, and Bakasura, possess exaggerated, formidable features, including large eyes, sharp fangs, and wide mouths, to highlight their menacing character. These masks are often larger and more elaborate, with bright colors like red, black, and blue to depict their power and wrath. In addition to face masks, some characters in Bhaona require body masks or attachments, such as wings for Garuda (the eagle mount of Vishnu) or extra limbs for gods like Durga. These are crafted to be worn over the performer’s body, giving the illusion of a multi-limbed or winged creature. Masks are an indispensable component of Majuli's Bhaona performances during Bhada month, traditionally bringing Hindu mythological characters to life through intricate natural material craftsmanship that enhances the dramatic and visual impact of performances. Majuli is a bastion of Assamese culture and tradition. The Bhada maah celebrations in Majuli are not only religious in nature but also serve to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region, including traditional music, dance, and crafts.
In close proximity to Majuli, Jorhat district in Assam is home to a prominent center of Vaishnavite culture, which witnesses a flurry of activities during the month of Bhada. The Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, located around 18 kms from the heart of Jorhat city, is not only a significant religious site but also a place with a serene and spiritually uplifting environment. This Naamghar is deeply intertwined with nature and reflects the traditional Assamese values of harmony with the environment. One of the most unique features of the Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar is the Akhand Jyoti—a lamp that has been burning continuously for over 500 years. This lamp symbolizes the unbroken spiritual tradition of the Naamghar and adds to the sacredness of the environment. The area around the lamp is treated with great reverence, and the flame is carefully maintained by the caretakers. During Bhada month, groups of devotees engage in Paal Naam, which involves continuous chanting and singing of hymns for extended periods. Bhada maah is also a time when many Assamese families observe Shradh ceremonies to honor their ancestors. At Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, special rituals are performed for the departed souls. Devotees offer Pinda Daan (ritualistic offerings) and conduct prayers seeking blessings for their ancestors' peace.
Community feasts, known as Bhog, are an integral part of the Bhada Maah celebrations. Devotees prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes, which are offered to the deities and then distributed among the devotees as ‘Prasad’. These community meals symbolize the inclusiveness of the Naamghar tradition, where everyone, irrespective of caste or creed, is invited to partake in the sacred food.
In the context of the prasad consumed during Bhada month's rituals, I consulted with Manisha Choudhury, Assistant Professor at the College of Community Science, AAU, Jorhat, who shared valuable insights into the health benefits associated with consuming ‘prasad’.She said, “Assamese maah-prasad is a traditional offering which is a combination of chickpeas, green gram, some fruits& nuts along with mithoi ladoos, served on banana leaves. Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and iron, making them an excellent food for maintaining energy levels and supporting digestive health. Green legumes, such as mung beans, are similarly packed with protein and antioxidants, contributing to improved heart health, better digestion, and overall vitality. The combination of these ingredients in prasad provides a wholesome, balanced offering that nourishes both the body and soul. The inclusion of ginger and coconut in ‘maah-prasad’ not only enriches the dish's taste but also aligns with the traditional focus on food that nurtures both the body and spirit. Ginger is well-known for its digestive properties. In addition, coconut also has excellent amounts of potassium, a mineral that helps eliminate excess sodium through the urine. Coconut has antibacterial and antiviral properties, contributing to overall wellness.”
A large number of devotees visit Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar throughout the year, but during the Bhada month, the site experiences an unprecedented surge in visitors.A comment from a Jorhat resident who consistently visits this hallowed site during the auspicious month of Bhada brought attention to the significance of this time, despite the potential for chaotic traffic conditions at Dhekiakhowa. He said, “the scent of incense sticks and the burning oil lamps in the Naamghar create an atmosphere that deeply resonates with the spiritual essence of the place. In spite of the heavy rush during Bhada, my family's habit of paying obeisance to the Divine persists.”
The Bhada month (August-September) holds particular importance in the sericulture industry of Assam, which is one of the state's traditional and culturally significant economic activities. Assam is renowned for its indigenous silk varieties, especially Muga, Eri, and Pat (Mulberry silk). The sericulture practices during Bhada are crucial for the lifecycle of the silkworms and the quality of silk produced. The late Dr. Mridul Chandra Sarmah, a renowned scientist and retired CMERTI Lahdoigarh professional, underscored the crucial role of silkworm rearing practices in the Brahmaputra valley's agrarian community, through his novel'Xunali Xutar Xopun'. He had astutely observed that the Bhada month plays a pivotal role in Assam's sericulture due to its significance in the life cycles of Muga and Eri silkworms, where favorable climatic conditions, ample fresh leaf availability, and diligent disease management are crucial for producing high-quality silk.The temperature and humidity during this month are crucial for the healthy growth of silkworms, particularly for Muga and Eri silkworms.
To comprehend the relevance of Bhada month in sericulture, I engaged in a discussion with Porna Sarmah, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kokrajhar.She remarked that during Bhada, the silkworms are in an active feeding stage. “The abundant monsoon rains ensure that the host plants like Som (Machilus bombycina) andSualu (Litsea polyantha) for Muga, and Castor and Kesseru for Eri, are lush and provide rich, fresh leaves, which are essential for silkworm nutrition”, she said.The Bhada month is particularly important for Muga silk production because it marks the period of the Katia crop cycle, one of the four or five main crop cycles for Muga silkworms. This crop is reared from August to September and is significant as it contributes to the annual yield of Muga silk, which is known for its golden hue. For Eri silk, the Bhada month is essential as it is part of the post-monsoon breeding season. The silkworms feed voraciously on castor leaves, and the favorable climate helps in ensuring a successful cocoon harvest. Ms. Sarmah said that “we advise farmers that Bhada is also a critical time for monitoring and managing pests and diseases that can affect silkworms, as the warm and humid conditions can also be conducive to the spread of infections. Sericulturists need to be vigilant to protect their crops, ensuring that the silkworms remain healthy and that the silk quality is not compromised.”
To conclude, Bhada maah, the month of Bhada, plays a crucial role in weaving together the social, religious, and agricultural fabric of Assam, making it a time of deep cultural significance. The traditional rituals and practices of Bhada maah are deeply intertwined with the rhythms of rural life, reflecting a harmonious relationship between people, religion, and the land. Maintaining the traditions and customs of Bhada Maah is vital for preserving the cultural heritage of Assam. These practices not only keep alive the teachings of saints like Sri Sri Srimanta Sankardeva but also ensure the continuity of values such as community, devotion, and respect for nature, which are integral to Assamese identity. As modernity and change influence every aspect of life, carrying forward the traditions of Bhada maah helps retain the cultural roots and offers a sense of belonging and continuity in an ever-evolving world.