7,000 Women in Assam’s Barpeta Perform ‘Thiyanam’ in Bid for Record Recognition

On August 25, 2025, an extraordinary cultural and devotional event unfolded in Assam’s Barpeta district, where around 7,000 women gathered in Howly to perform ‘Thiyanam’, a Vaishnavite devotional recital. The large-scale recital was organised with the dual purpose of celebrating the spiritual legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva and attempting to secure a place in record books as the largest collective performance of its kind.

The event was scheduled on the eve of the ‘tirobhav tithi’—the death anniversary—of Srimanta Sankardeva, the revered 15th-16th century saint-scholar, religious reformer, playwright, and cultural icon of Assam. Sankardeva is considered the father of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam, and his teachings, compositions, and cultural contributions continue to inspire millions. His devotional works, alongside those of his disciple Madhabdeva, form the foundation of Sankari and Sattriya traditions, which remain central to Assam’s spiritual and cultural identity. The recital of ‘Thiyanam’ is largely based on the compositions of these two saintly figures.

The scale of participation was remarkable, with women arriving from across the state to join the devotional performance. Participants represented diverse districts, including Guwahati, Darrang, Udalguri, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Rowta, and Mazbat. This wide participation underscored not only the devotion of the people but also the unifying power of Vaishnavite traditions, which bring together communities from across Assam to celebrate their cultural heritage.

The event was organised by the Howly Raas Celebration Committee, a body known for coordinating large devotional and cultural gatherings. Their efforts ensured that the performance was conducted in an organised and devotional atmosphere, reflecting the sincerity and discipline of the participants. With 7,000 women singing and performing ‘Thiyanam’ in unison, the spectacle was not only spiritually moving but also historically significant for the Assamese cultural landscape.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the event and lauded the efforts of the women participants. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, he remarked: “On the eve of the auspicious Tirobhav Tithi of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, 7,000 mothers in Howly performed the Thiyanam, a powerful reflection of the Sankari-Sattriya culture.” His statement highlighted the event’s symbolic significance as a living expression of Assamese spiritual traditions and its role in strengthening cultural pride.

The recital was also notable for its ambition to secure a place in record books. Organisers stated that the performance is being submitted for recognition in the Assam Book of Records and potentially other national or international record compilations. If acknowledged, this performance would mark the largest known collective recital of ‘Thiyanam’, further etching Assam’s devotional and cultural practices into wider recognition.

The ‘Thiyanam’ or ‘Thiyonam’ itself is an integral part of Assamese Vaishnavite culture. Performed during religious occasions and commemorations, it consists of devotional songs and recitations that not only praise the divine but also reinforce spiritual discipline and community bonding. Rooted in the works of Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhabdeva, it is a practice that embodies the values of unity, devotion, and cultural continuity.

In essence, the performance at Howly was far more than a devotional act—it was a collective reaffirmation of Assam’s cultural identity, a tribute to the saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva, and a demonstration of women’s central role in preserving and celebrating Assamese traditions. By uniting thousands of participants across regions, the event showcased the enduring power of Sankari and Sattriya culture while aspiring to make history in the record books.