Today was the formal beginning of a program that honors the spiritual, cultural, and social contributions of Udashin Bhakats. The program, which is the first of its type, will serve 620 Udashin Bhakats from various regions. Each of these bhakats will receive Rs 1,500 a month.
A total of 620 Udaxin Bhakats have been covered in the scheme's first phase, including 10 from the Barpeta district, 8 from Dhubri and Goalpara, 6 from Golaghat, 54 from Jorhat, 14 from Kamrup, 22 from Lakhimpur, 474 from Majuli, 7 from Nagaon, 6 from Nalbari, 5 from Sivasagar, and 3 from Sonitpur and Udalguri. Both individuals who would have been excluded earlier and new Udaxin Bhakats joining xatras have been accommodated.
Assamese xatras, or Vaishnavite monasteries, are home to celibate monks known as Udashin Bhakats. They devote their entire lives to studying, practicing spirituality, and preserving and showcasing Xatriya art and culture, especially through devotional dance and music.
The dedication to a lifelong celibate (ascetic) lifestyle is what distinguishes Udashin Bhakats. In contrast, Bhakats in grihasti (householder) xatras are allowed to get married and start families.
Today, Xatradhikars and Bhakats from different districts participated in the program via video conference at the scheme's ceremonial launch in Dispur.
An 83-year-old Udashin Bhakats from Titabor remarked, "I could never imagine that someone would think about the Udashin Bhakats." The atmosphere was one of gravity.
The Xatras territory had been invaded, and I never imagined that such territories would be liberated. The xatras were once in a pitiful state and had fallen into disrepair.
Nonetheless, this administration has revitalized the Xatras and liberated their territories from intrusion. All Xatras, from Dhubri to Sadiya, are now anticipating a new phase of growth.
Five Udaxin Bhakats received checks from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma during the program's official start. As he handed over the checks, the chief minister stated that the program was implemented to ensure the welfare of Udashin Bhakats and to honor their spiritual, cultural, and social accomplishments.
According to the chief minister, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva established the Xatra institution to foster Assamese religious and cultural life and spread Neo-Vaishnavism.
He said that home and xatra-centric lifestyles evolved as a result of the Vaishnavite movement, with Udaxin Satras adhering to especially rigid celibacy and discipline.
He noted that a decrease in traditional sources of income and a drop in public contributions are causing financial difficulties for many xatras in Assam.
The state government has taken action to establish the Assam Satra Commission with financial authority in order to address these issues and guarantee the development and protection of xatras.
He stated that the Commission will have the authority to give financial assistance to Xatras and to allow eviction in situations where Xatra land has been encroached upon.
Over 15,288 bighas of xatra land throughout the state have been determined to be under encroachment, including 7,137 bighas in the Barpeta district alone, according to the Assam Satra Land Review and Monitoring Commission's report.
