In a significant cultural revival, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, following a recent cabinet decision and the approval of a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SoP), observed the revival of the Bulbuli Fight – an integral Bhogali Bihu tradition –at Shri Hayagriva Madhav Mandir in Hajo on January 15.
The ancient practice, recently reinstated by the state government, breathes life into the customs and rituals embedded in Assam’s cultural heritage.
The revival of the Bulbuli fight stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to rejuvenate ancient customs. With a detailed SoP in place, the event witnessed the culmination of concerted efforts by the present administration to ensure the continuity of cultural practices.
After nearly a decade, devotees of the Hayagriva Madhav Mandir and enthusiasts were treated to the spectacle of the Bulbuli fight as part of the Bhogali Bihu celebrations. Dating back to the era of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha, the competition was recently revived by the state government in December 2023.
Before witnessing the Bulbuli fight, Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and their children, visited Hayagriva Madhav Mandir to offer their prayers.
Minister of public health engineering, Jayanta Mallabaruah, MLA Suman Haripriya, and a host of other devotees were present to witness the revival of this quintessential Bhogali Bihu tradition.
The bulbuli fight, dating back to the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha, involves a playful contest between two bulbulis perched on a platform. This unique tradition was a highlight of Bhogali Bihu celebrations for centuries until it was temporarily discontinued.
