Silchar : The revered Shri Shri Radhamadhab Jiu Akhra in Bilpar, Silchar, is set to host its annual five-day Jhulan Yatra Utsav from Tuesday, August 5, to Saturday, August 9. Steeped in devotion and tradition, the festival will showcase a vibrant array of cultural and spiritual events, including kirtans, sangeetalekhya (musical storytelling), dance dramas, and traditional Jhulan songs.

Angshu Kumar Roy, sevait (caretaker) of the Akhra, shared that the Jhulan Yatra has been a cherished tradition since the Akhra’s establishment in 1243 of the Bengali calendar (1836 AD). “It is one of our most significant annual observances, passed down through generations,” he said.

As part of the festivities, the deities of Radha-Madhab will be dressed in specially themed attires each day, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the Akhra. The cultural calendar is rich with performances by renowned local artists and institutions:

Tuesday (Opening Day): Jhulan songs by Manoranjan Malakar and his team.

Wednesday: Sangeetalekhya performance by Uttamasha Art Foundation, featuring Pradip Acharjee and fellow performers.

Thursday: Kirtanangik presentation by Manimala Dance School, led by Tathagata Das and team.

Friday: Cultural evening by Sai Sangeetalay, featuring Megha Das and other artists.

Saturday (Finale): Special kirtanangik dance presentation by Pushpangan Sangeet Kalakendra, with Utpal Biswas and team.

Each evening will conclude with devotional music and dance celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna, echoing the essence of Jhulan Yatra.

Roy invited devotees and the wider Silchar community to attend the celebrations in large numbers and partake in the mahaprasad served at the end of each day’s programme. “The Jhulan Yatra is not just a festival; it’s a spiritual journey that binds us all through faith, culture, and music,” he added.