Shri Shri Hari Mandir
Among the many shrines located in the Nalbari area , Shri Shri Harimandir is one of the most important Hindu shrine .The temple is a popular Lord Krishna Temple in India. The temple is sacred for Hindus, and Buddhists.Buddhist devotees from neighbouring country Bhutan has placed Shri Shri Harimandir as a sacred place of worship for many decades.
Festival celebrations like Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev Abirbhav Tithi, Tirobhav Tithi , Sri Krishna Janmashtami , Durga Puja , Mahashivratri, Ma Mahakali Puja, Lord Ganesha Saturthi, Hanuman Jayanti attracts a huge crowd. Amongst all these festivals, Nalbari Rash Mahotsav or Rash purnima is primarily known
NALBARI
The word Nalbari is derived from local Kamrupi language ie; nal and bari.Nal is a variety of reed while bari means 'enclosed ground with plantation. Until the late 19th century, Nalbari acted as the southern boundary of the Kingdom of Bhutan when it was ceded to British India after the Duar War. Nalbari is a historic town in the Indian state of Assam. It is the administrative headquarters of the Nalbari district. Nalbari is the home to the many Hindu shrines.The history of Nalbari dates back to many centuries.Arthashastra of Kautilya mentioned the import of various economic products from Nalbari.The area also produced a special perfume among others. The Chandan and Aguru products were highly exported to faraway places including north India.Assam was known as Kamarupa from earlier times to the pre-modern period. Kamarupa was divided into Kamarupa Pithas or geographical divisions; Nalbari was placed in Kamapitha division. Kamrup name was mentioned in the Hindu text Ramayana and Mahabharata
How to Reach Nalbari Hari Mandir
Nalbari in Assam is well connected to the rest of the country. Being one of the most important tourist destinations in the state, it is easily accessible by all the possible modes of transport. The city has a good cab service and is the best way to travel from one part of the town to the other.
BY AIR:
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the nearest airport and it takes around 1 hour to reach from Nalbari. Taxis are available to and from Nalbari for Guwahati.
BY RAIL:
Nalbari has its own station which is connected to Guwahati and other cities of the state. There are direct trains from Delhi and Howrah as well.
BY ROAD:
In order to reach Nalbari by road, it is best to reach Guwahati first. Nalbari is connected to Guwahati by both state-owned and private buses and the distance is around 60 km. Bus service is available from other neighbouring cities as well.
Experience Assam's religious heritage and community spirit at Nalbari Raas Mahotsav
What to Expect
Nalbari Raas Mahotsav :
Celebrated at the historic Sri Sri Hari Mandir in Nalbari, Assam, North East India, Nalbari Raas Mahotsav is a vibrant Hindu religious and culturally rich event honoring Lord Krishna's life and divine plays. This century old festival has become one of India's largest Raas Festivals.Known for its grandeur of being one of the greatest festival in the entire India, Nalbari Raas Mahotsav is being celebrating the divinity of Lord Krishna. The Raas Mahotsav begins every year on the full Moon night ( Purnima)of the Kartika/November -the night when Lord Krishna desires to dance and spread the message of peace and happiness in this mortal world. The wild beauty of Vrindavana in the trees, creepers and bushes on the bank of Jamuna become alive in Sri Sri Hari Mandir, Nalbari during this festival period.
The premises of Hari Mandir is decked at the Main Puja Spot with a spectacular idol of Radha & Krishna. In addition, numerous temporary stalls decorated with the clay idols with modern electrical technology finds most stylized form in making alive the idols representing a diverse range of events symbolizing Lord Krishna’s life events. Nalbari Raas Mahotsav epitomizes the expression of dancing in delight in reverence of Lord Krishna, symbolizing love, beauty and happiness. This beautiful festival transforms the entire town of Nalbari into a celebratory gear that draws visitors from far and wide transcending even national boundaries.
The Assamese mobile theatre ( unique drama )troupes consider this Raas as an opportunity for exhibiting their best, The main-stage of the Raaskhola remains a platform for various cultural extravaganzas and thereby turning the entire lower Assam region in festive gear beckoning lakhs of devotees making them emerge in the spirit of Raas festival of Sri Sri Hari Mandir.
Additional Attractions Include:
- Book Fair
- Trade Fair
- Circus
- Ananda Mela
- Nalbeira Haat (indigenous food ,cloths market featuring):
- Prestigious Gamosha
- Fulam Japi
- Kah-Pital products
- Bamboo-made products
- Local handicrafts, wood carvings and other trinkets for tourists
- Flavored Pitha
- Food stalls
Hindu communities outside India, such as neighbouring Bangladesh, Bhutan , Myanmar, Nepal participate in Rass mahotsav. Nalbari Rass mahotsav has religious origins and meaning, as well as events have a major community heritage, social sharing and cultural significance to the organizers and participants.