The Assam government has marked the calendar for a remarkable occasion, all set to celebrate the Brahmaputra Pushkaram, a 12-day mega river festival. The event is scheduled to be held from November 5 to November 16 this year and is tipped to be the second biggest river festival ever witnessed in the state. The extravaganza aims to pay tribute to one of the most important rivers in India and will feature an array of cultural activities showcasing the richness of Assam’s heritage.
The Legacy of Brahmaputra Pushkaram
The Brahmaputra Pushkaram festival is not a new addition to the region’s cultural landscape. Its prior occurrence was recorded in the year 2007. This riverine festival is part of the broader Pushkaram festivals that are celebrated across India, each involving one of the twelve significant rivers in the country. The Pushkaram festival is celebrated every twelve years for each river, establishing a unique cycle of tradition and reverence towards nature’s water bodies.
Chronicles of Earlier Celebrations
In 2018, the Pushkaram festival was celebrated by paying homage to the Tamiraparani river. The gala took place on the banks of this river in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Like other iterations of the festival, it played host to numerous cultural and spiritual activities, allowing people to connect with their roots and appreciate the role of rivers in sustaining life and civilization.
| Important Rivers Celebrated | Years Celebrated |
|---|---|
| Brahmaputra | 2007, 2021 (planned) |
| Tamiraparani | 2018 |
Namami Brahmaputra: A Festive Predecessor
Before the upcoming Pushkaram, Assam has already had a taste of grand riverine celebrations with the Namami Brahmaputra festival. The inaugural edition of Namami Brahmaputra was celebrated in 2017 and was organized by the Assam Government. It spanned across five days and showcased an alluring mix of Assam’s art, heritage, and culture. The festivities stretched over 21 districts across the state that are touched by the mesmerizing flow of the Brahmaputra River. The event aimed to honor the river’s beauty and significance in the region, underscoring its influence on Assam’s rich cultural history and present way of life.
Anticipation for Brahmaputra Pushkaram 2021
Building upon the success of past river festivals, the upcoming Brahmaputra Pushkaram promises to be a vibrant display of cultural appreciation and river reverence. The Assam government envisions it as a pivotal event that strengthens the bond between people and nature. As anticipation builds for this mega festival, one thing is clear – the Brahmaputra Pushkaram will be an homage to a river that has nurtured and shaped the region across centuries. From its ancient past to its vibrant present, the river remains an enduring symbol of Assam’s life and spirit.