Assam today celebrated the 565th birth anniversary of its 15-16th century Neo-Vaishnavite saint-scholar, socio-religious reformer Srimanta Sankerdeb with devotion and reverence across the state.
Srimanta Sankerdeb's followers sang 'Naam prasanga' (prayers) in the 'Kirtan Ghars' (prayer halls) and various 'Sattras' (monasteries) that the multi-dimensional personality and his disciples set up in the state and neighbouring areas at Cooch Behar in West Bengal.
His devotees sang verses in praise of god from his 'Kirtan' (holy book) to the beating of 'khol' (drum) and 'bhut-taal' (large bell metal cymbals) at the Sattras established by Srimanta Sankerdeb and his followers.
'Khol' and 'bhut-taal' are an indispensable element of the classical dance form Satriya tradition that the Assamese polymath started.
Processions of 'gayan-bayan' (musicians) singing the Gurujona's (Sankerdeb) religious compositions were also taken out, particularly in his birth place at Bardowa in central Assam's Nagaon district.
At Barpeta, where he settled after travelling across the state propagating his 'Eka-Sarana Hari-Nama Dharma', a form of Vaisnavism popularly referred to as Mahapurusism, a four-day long programme from October 13 was chalked out with special programmes on Sankari culture, naam prasanga, religious sittings and tree plantation.
Considered to be the most important figure in the cultural and religious history of Assam, Sankardeb gave shape to a set of new values and social synthesis, while his literary and artistic contributions provided the foundation of Assamese culture.
Sankaradeb's strictly monotheistic religious system with his 'Eka Sarana' (one god worship) focusses more on the transcendental and spiritual side of religion.
Making a passionate protest against dualistic theology and ritual-laden form of worship, Saint Sankerdeb replaced them with the religion of love and devotion using literary compositions, poems, 'Ankia Naat' and 'Bhaona'(theatrical performance) and 'Borgeets' (songs) as the means of communication with the masses.
