Tithi of Srimatna Sankardev in 2024

When is Tithi of Srimanta Shankardev?

Tithi of Srimanta Shankardev is a regional public holiday in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam in the month of Bhadra. This means it falls in August or September in the western calendar.

This day is remembered as the death anniversary of saint scholar Srimanta Sankardeva.

History of Tithi of Srimanta Shankardev

Mahapurusha Srimanta Shankardeva was a 16th-century Assamese polymath and saint-scholar credited with uniting Assam and considered as the father of Assamese culture.

The saint had an all-pervasive influence on Assamese culture, religion and society and he is widely credited with developing cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Anika Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya) and literary language (Brajavali). He left behind an extensive work of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Brajavali.

The Bhagavatic religious Ekasaranam Dharam or Neo-Vaishnavite movement promoted by him influenced the two medieval kingdoms of Koch and Ahom while the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved into Sattras, which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam.

Shankardev inspired Bhakti movement in Assam. His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practised by a large population.

According to his biographers, Sankardev died on August 23rd 1568, a month shy of his 121st birthday.