Celebrating 150 Years of Heritage in Hailakandi : Shibbari Temple’s Grand Milestone

//Swapnodeep Sen//

Hailakandi, a city rich in cultural heritage and history, recently witnessed a momentous occasion as the Shibbari Sevak Sangh celebrated the 150th foundation anniversary of the iconic Shiva temple. One of the oldest and most revered religious institutions in the region, the Shibbari Temple has been an epicenter of spiritual and cultural activities since its establishment. To commemorate this half-century milestone, the Shibbari Sevak Sangh organized a series of grand events, highlighting the temple’s enduring legacy and its role in fostering unity and tradition in the community.

The Shibbari Temple has long been synonymous with its annual Durga Puja celebrations, a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for 150 years. The Navratri festivities, characterized by strict adherence to religious customs and rituals, are eagerly awaited by devotees and locals alike. This year, however, the celebrations have been elevated to reflect the grandeur of the temple’s significant milestone. The Shibbari Road, leading up to the temple, has been beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, while the temple premises have been decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs, representing the 150 years of devotion and heritage that the temple embodies.

The festivities kicked off with a drawing competition on October 2, which saw enthusiastic participation from children and teenagers. The event not only encouraged artistic expression but also aimed to involve the younger generation in the temple’s rich cultural legacy. On the morning of Mahalaya, a special procession was organized, setting the tone for the Navratri celebrations. Local artistes performed in the evening, adding a touch of local flavor to the festivities. The Navratri Puja commenced immediately after Mahalaya and will continue until October 8, culminating in the grand unveiling of the Durga idol on the evening of October 8 at 6 PM.

Over the next three days, the temple will host a series of special puja programs for Mahasaptami, Mahashtami, and Mahanavami. These programs include elaborate aartis, an uludbhani (traditional sound-making) competition, conch blowing, and the distribution of *mahaprasad* to devotees each evening. The temple grounds are expected to be filled with the sound of chants and the aroma of incense, as devotees gather to celebrate this significant milestone.

In addition to the religious rituals, the 150th foundation anniversary has brought attention to an important administrative achievement. Last year, during his visit to the temple during Durga Puja, Assam’s Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was informed by the then President of the Shibbari Sevak Sangh, Ranbijoy Dev, and Secretary Shankarabrata Dev, that the temple, despite its age and significance, lacked official registration. Acting on this, the Chief Minister instructed the District Magistrate of Hailakandi to expedite the registration process. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the district administration and the Sevak Sangh, the registration of the temple and its donated lands was successfully completed, marking a new chapter in the temple’s history said members.

The land for the temple was originally donated by the late Ganesh Kanu, Baijnath Kanu, Ramchandra Kanu, and Sardar Chandalal Singh. Their contributions laid the foundation for what has now become a symbol of unity and brotherhood in the community . As the temple celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Sevak Sangh hopes that these celebrations will not only honor the temple’s past but also serve as a bridge, connecting the people of Hailakandi across religious and cultural boundaries.

The Shibbari Sevak Sangh invites everyone to participate in the events and experience the grandeur of this special Durgotsav. With its rich history and unwavering commitment to tradition, the Shibbari Temple continues to be a beacon of faith and unity in Hailakandi, inspiring future generations to uphold its cherished values. Through this grand celebration, the temple authorities aim to make the 150th foundation year a memorable and unifying experience for all.