The Uttar Kamalabari Satra in Majuli. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Nov. 5: A Vaishnavite troupe from Majuli has set out on a cultural journey to Barak Valley, hoping to bring the predominately Bengali population closer to their brethren living on the banks of the Brahmaputra.

The 30-member troupe from Uttar Kamalabari Satra, led by the satradhikar (head priest) of the satra, Jannardhan Debo Goswami, are on a mission to spread Sattriya culture among Barak residents.

“Although we are inhabitants of the same state, we hardly know about each other’s culture. The idea of the yatra (journey) to Barak is to know about them and to tell them more about us,” the satradhikar said.

The cultural journey has been named the Sanskritik Samannay Yatra.

The troupe, which left Majuli this morning, will arrive in Silchar tomorrow evening.

Apart from Sattriya dance, the troupe would also perform bhaonas (religious plays) at Silchar, Hailakandi and Karimganj.

While the culture of Brahmaputra valley has been shaped by Ahom culture and the Vaishnavite movement begun by Srimanta Shankardev, Barak Valley’s culture has been greatly influenced by its close proximity to Sylhet in Bangladesh.

On its return journey, the troupe will also perform at cultural events in Shillong.

This is the second such attempt in the state in recent times to bring the people of Barak and Brahmaputra Valleys closer.

Singer Debojit Saha, from the Barak Valley, made one such an attempt by performing at various functions in the state along with noted singer from the Brahmaputra valley — Jitul Sonowal.

Debo Goswami said the Barak Valley unit of the Asam Sahitya Sabha has taken special interest in cementing ties between the people living in the Barak and the Brahmaputra Valleys. “The sabha has helped us in our endeavour,” he said.

The satradhikar said the satra has also plans to set up few cultural centres in the Barak Valley to propagate Sattriya culture.

“We are thinking of opening a few centres where Sattriya dance and music will be taught to children,” he said.

The priest said interactive sessions with spiritual leaders of the Barak Valley would also be held during the five-day tour.

“We will also invite cultural troupes from Barak to perform in Majuli and other Upper Assam towns so that our people also know about their culture,” the satradhikar said.