Assam is witnessing a cultural renaissance with the unveiling of the ₹227-Crore Batadrava Cultural Project at Batadrava Than in Nagaon district, the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the project on Monday, December 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Assam's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Batadrava Cultural Project, also known as Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra, aims to transform Batadrava Than into a world-class spiritual and tourism destination. The Assam government undertook the initiative to preserve and showcase the religious and cultural legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva, a revered Vaishnavite saint, social reformer, and founder of the Ekasarana Dharma.
Srimanta Sankardeva, born in 1449 in Bordowa, Nagaon, was a visionary who significantly shaped Assam's spiritual and cultural identity. He founded the Ekasarana Dharma, a Vaishnavite movement emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna through accessible practices like singing and dancing. His literary and artistic contributions, including the Kirtan Ghosha and Ankia Naat, continue to inspire generations.
The project, initiated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal with Amit Shah laying its foundation in 2020, spans 162 bighas of land that were freed from encroachment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described the project as a "historical moment" for Assam and the entire country, emphasizing its role in showcasing Assam's culture and promoting Sankardeva's ideals.
Designed as a comprehensive spiritual and cultural complex, the project incorporates traditional Assamese architectural elements and cultural motifs. The entire complex is conceptualized in the form of a tree, with the Guru Asana at the center. Key features include the world's tallest Guru Asana, guest houses adorned with Sattriya culture-inspired art, an art center shaped like traditional cymbals, a research center designed like a khol (traditional drum), a skill development center shaped like a boat, and a theatre modeled after a traditional japi. Other components include the Manikanchan Namghar, rest houses, an administrative building, a pilgrims' lodge, a grand entrance gate, boundary walls, a musical fountain with laser show, Krishnaleela theatre, community cottages representing different tribes, and a health center.
The Batadrava Cultural Project is expected to boost spiritual learning, cultural preservation, and tourism in Assam. Once opened, Abirbhav Kshetra will host workshops, cultural events, and national-level discussions on Sankardev's philosophy, art, and spiritual contributions. The project aims to elevate Batadrava into a national and international destination for cultural and spiritual tourism, taking Sankardeva's legacy to future generations.
The inauguration of the Batadrava Cultural Project marks a key chapter in the spiritual heritage of Assam. It reflects the Assam government's commitment to honoring the state's spiritual heritage while creating modern infrastructure that can inspire future generations.
