Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, March 3, announced a landmark directive for visitors to the Batadrava Than and the newly-constructed Aavirbhav Kshetra. During his visit to the revered birthplace of neo-Vaishnavite philosopher-saint Srimanta Shankardeva, Dr Sarma emphasized the need to preserve the spiritual sanctity of these sites. The Chief Minister made it clear that all visitors will now be required to wear traditional Assamese attire when entering these sacred premises. This initiative aims to uphold the cultural and spiritual decorum associated with the historical and religious significance of the Aavirbhav Kshetra.
Guidelines for Visitors and Age Exemptions
According to the Chief Minister, strict measures will be enforced to ensure compliance with the new dress code. Visitors will not be permitted to enter the premises without wearing traditional Assamese clothing, which typically includes mekhela chador for women and dhoti-kurta or gamocha for men. However, Dr Sarma clarified that children under the age of 12 will be exempted from this requirement to allow for a family-friendly environment. The new directive is expected to come into effect within the next two to three days after the issuance of necessary government orders. Officials are reportedly preparing to implement signage, entry checks, and guidelines to ensure smooth adherence.
Cultural Preservation and Administrative Focus
The Assam Chief Minister stressed that the move is part of a broader effort to preserve the state’s unique cultural identity and reinforce the spiritual experience for devotees visiting the birthplace of Shankardeva. He highlighted that the traditional attire policy is not intended to inconvenience visitors but to foster a sense of reverence and connection with Assamese heritage. Dr Sarma’s announcement signals a shift towards stricter cultural protocols at religious and historic sites across Assam. Government officials have been tasked with coordinating with temple authorities to facilitate the transition and ensure that all visitors are informed in advance about the new entry rules.
Political Critique and Allegations Against Congress
In addition to his administrative announcement, Chief Minister Dr Sarma launched a sharp political critique against the Congress party. He accused the party of having abandoned its commitment to Assam and its cultural values, claiming that the Congress has compromised its integrity for the interests of Bangladeshi-origin Muslim populations. Dr Sarma alleged that internal conflicts within the Congress are largely centered on competition for constituencies with high concentrations of these voters. According to the Chief Minister, the party’s focus has shifted from serving the people of Assam to protecting political interests, leaving the cultural and heritage priorities of the state neglected.
