Guwahati, Sept 29: As Guwahati decks up for Durga Puja 2025, one pandal stands apart not for its grandeur or lights, but for its history and heritage. The Uzan Bazar Barowari Puja Mandap Samitee, widely regarded as the city’s oldest Durga Puja, has entered its 136th year of celebration, tracing its roots all the way back to 1889.
According to local historians, the Puja was initiated by Ghanakanta Singha, the reigning Ahom king of Rajbari, on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra. What began as a royal tradition over a century ago has now become a living symbol of Assam’s cultural continuity and devotion.
Each year, the Uzan Bazar Barowari Puja retains its traditional essence with classical rituals, serene ambiance, and the rhythmic sound of the dhak echoing through the neighbourhood. Unlike modern thematic pandals, this Puja keeps its focus on spirituality, simplicity, and community participation.
Residents of the area take immense pride in the Puja’s legacy. “It’s not just a celebration, it’s our identity. Generations have grown up seeing Maa Durga’s idol here by the river — it feels timeless,” said a long-time resident of Uzan Bazar.
Over the decades, the mandap has witnessed Guwahati’s transformation from a quiet riverside town to a bustling city, yet the essence of devotion remains unchanged.
- Location: Uzan Bazar Barowari Puja Mandap, Guwahati
- Year of Origin: 1889
- Founder: Ghanakanta Singha, Ahom Dynasty
- Notable Feature: Celebrated on the banks of the Brahmaputra, preserving century-old rituals
