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Bash Puja or the worshipping of bamboo is one of the
important religious ceremonies performed by the Hajongs. It is held in the
month of Baisag, the first month of Assamese year. Three newly cut bamboos
are used in the performance of this puja, which continues for three days.
An assemblage of villagers cut the three bamboos from a particular grove.
After decorating them with white or red cloths the bamboos are fixed on
the ground and then worshipped.
The Deities
The two main bamboos represent two gods. But there are divergent opinions
about who are the gods. According to some, the two bamboos represent Madan
and Gopal (Krishna) while according to some others, they represent Shiva
and Parvati. A few scholars regard this Bash Puja as kind of worship to
Indra, the king of gods, Majority, however, believe that it is a kind of
sex-worshipping and the two main bamboos actually represent
Madan Kamdev,
the love God and Rati, his consort.