Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra

Introduction

• • Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra is a well-known religious and cultural place in Assam.

  • It is famous for the performance of Bhaona, which is a traditional form of Assamese drama.

  • The Kshetra is located at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district of Assam.

  • This place is closely connected with Assamese culture, religion, and theatre.

Meaning of “Baresaharia”

• • The word “Baresaharia” means “twelve hundred” (1200).

  • Long ago, people from around 1200 villages came together to take part in the Bhaona performances held here.

  • This shows that the Bhaona was not a small local event but a large community celebration involving many villages.

Historical Background of Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra

• • The tradition of Baresaharia Bhaona began during the time of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam.

  • This movement was started by Srimanta Sankardeva, a great saint, poet, and social reformer.

  • Sankardeva introduced Bhaona as a way to:

    • Teach religious stories

    • Spread moral values

    • Educate common people in an interesting way

  • Since many people could not read or write at that time, drama became an easy and effective method of learning.

What is Bhaona?

a. Simple Meaning

• • Bhaona is a religious play performed on stage.

  • It tells stories mainly from Hindu religious texts like:

    • Bhagavata Purana

    • Ramayana

    • Mahabharata

b. Language and Style

• • Bhaona is performed in Brajavali, a special language created by Sankardeva.

  • It uses:

    • Songs (like Borgeet)

    • Colourful costumes

    • Traditional masks

    • Expressive acting

  • The performances usually take place in a Namghar (prayer hall) or open grounds.

Role of Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra

• • The Kshetra works as a centre for preserving Bhaona traditions.

  • It regularly organizes Bhaona performances during:

    • Religious festivals

    • Special cultural occasions

  • People from different villages come together to participate, making it a community-based cultural activity.

Social and Cultural Importance of Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra

• • Baresaharia Bhaona helps in:

    • Bringing people together

    • Strengthening unity and cooperation among villagers

  • It passes Assamese culture and traditions from one generation to another.

  • Through stories and characters, Bhaona teaches:

    • Honesty

    • Devotion

    • Good behaviour

Religious Importance of Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra

• • The Kshetra follows the ideas of Ekasarana Naam Dharma, which teaches devotion to Lord Krishna.

  • It stresses:

    • Equality among people

    • Simple living and faith

  • Watching or performing Bhaona is considered a religious activity, not just entertainment.

Contribution of Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra to Assamese Performing Arts

• • Baresaharia Bhaona Kshetra plays an important role in:

    • Keeping the traditional Bhaona alive

    • Training artists in acting, music, and mask-making

  • It shows the original form of Assamese theatre, unlike modern stage drama.