Page 103 - Sonbeel Utsab 2024

While voicing the sensibilities and emotions of a particular community these
cultural traditions have been able to carve a niche for itself and has added to its
universal appeal.

Although the entire Barak Valley is rich in cultural traditions and
folklore,this region has its own distinctive rituals and customs viz 'Nauka Puja',
'Surjya Barta' and community dance performances such as the 'Dhamail'. While the
Nauka Puja is a traditional puja of many parts of Barak Valley, where the cult of
Goddess Manasha or the snake Goddess is worshiped along with 33 crores of Idols,
the Nauka Puja of this region differs from the rest of the valley. Here, with the waters
of the Beel flowing in from the month of Baishak, the community celebrates this
occasion before setting out for fishing. This is done by worshiping the 'nouka' or boat
as well as the 'water' which has been sustaining them for generations. For the
purpose firstly the boat is painted anew. Then it is washed and the puja is performed
by offering oil, vermillion, 'durba' tied in bunches and flowers. The 'nouka' or boat is
then marked with either three or five rows of sandal paste, kajal and vermillion as a
'mongal chino’ or the sign of welfare and prosperity. The boat is then set sail. As the
water is of vital importance in the lives of these people, these fishermen evoke the
Gods before venturing out, to be their guardian and protect them from all evils, and
most importantly fill their boats with catch.

The 'Surjya Barta 'or offerings to the Sun God, is another ritual performed by
the young girls of the community, praying for eligible life partners. This is
performed in the month of 'Maag' (the month of January) and continues for thirty
days. Starting at sunrise and concluding with the setting of the sun, these virgins sing
in praise to the Sun God. On the concluding day they stand in the sun the whole day
long offering their prayers to 'Surjya' God.

The 'Dhamail' another cultural practice of the indigenous people of Barak
Valley in general and Son- Beel in particular, has been widely performed and
appreciated. Performed by women in social ceremonies viz marriages, naming the
newborn, thread ceremony etc it is a dance form where fifteen to twenty women
dance in circular rhythmic motions, clapping their hands in accompaniment to song
sung generally concerning the legend of Lord Krishna and his consort Sri Radha.
However the themes of the songs may vary according to the nature of the ceremony.
Here is a song which has been translated by me for general convenience.

Ai go gopi anandita mon
Brindaban ras mela
Sri Nonder nandan
Bichana palong pati
Radha Kanu loiya
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