Bijoya Dashami is the tenth day, when the images of Durga are taken in procession to the Brahmaputra and immersed. In Assam the same tithi has a second meaning. Srimanta Sankardev was born on it in 1449, and his Janmotsav is kept in every namghar and satra with naam-prasanga, processions carrying the scripture, and performances of his plays.
The story
The goddess returns to Kailash, and people greet one another and seek the blessing of elders.
That the saint who taught Assam to worship Krishna alone should have been born on the day of the goddess is a coincidence the state carries easily: both are celebrated, a few streets apart.
How it is kept
- BisarjanThe immersion in the river.
- Bijoya greetingsElders are saluted and sweets shared.
- Sankardev JanmotsavNaam-kirtan, borgeet and bhaona.
- ProcessionsWith the Bhagavata carried on a decorated seat.
Why this date
Bijoya Dashami is the Dashami of the bright fortnight of Ashvina, on the day it is present at sunrise.
Bijoya Dashami in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday | |
| 2027 | Sunday | |
| 2028 | Thursday | |
| 2029 | Tuesday | |
| 2030 | Sunday | |
| 2031 | Saturday |
More Assamese festivals
9 OctoberMaha Navamiমহা নৱমী
7 OctoberMaha Ashtamiমহা অষ্টমী
19 OctoberKati Bihuকাতি বিহু
29 OctoberKali Puja and Diwaliকালী পূজা · দীপাৱলী
4 SeptemberGanesh Chaturthiগণেশ চতুৰ্থী
14 NovemberRaas Purnimaৰাস পূৰ্ণিমা
Where to see Bijoya Dashami
In Assam
- Batadrava Than, BordowaAssamThe birthplace, and the chief celebration of the Janmotsav.
- Kachari Ghat, GuwahatiAssamThe immersion on the Brahmaputra.
- Barpeta SatraAssamA day of prayer in the great kirtan ghar.
Across India
- KolkataWest BengalSindoor Khela and the immersions on the Hooghly.
- KulluHimachal PradeshThe valley's week-long Dussehra begins.
- MysuruKarnatakaThe Jamboo Savari, the procession of elephants.