Have you
ever heard of Saurath Sabha or Sabhagachhi? This is a unique shrine for fixing
marriages under the shade of trees. Eligible bachelors with their parents sit
down with the guardians of marriageable brides, gathering at the place from
different locations. Sabhagachhi spread over 22 acres of lush green land
falling in the district of Madhubani is 175 km away from state capital Patna in
north-east.
The
age-old congregation is identified with Mithila and its surrounding landscape
for systematically maintaining a marriage tradition which has been playing a
quintessential role in what can be described as Shrishti Nirman (Creation
of Mankind).
Though
the cases of divorces have become a normal practice in the Western societies
and even in many parts of India, yet the institution of marriage in Mithila –
the birthplace of Goddess Sita – continue to be as strong as in the olden days
with negligible divorces even today.
Match-making
and adherence to the principles of successful married life are so meticulous
and socially bound that there is hardly any scope for the proverb- marry in
haste, repent at leisure- हड़बड़ी ब्याह, कनपटी सिंदूर. Hence, there
does not exist any system of ex-husband or ex-wife what we find in the west
with a prenuptial agreements. With traditional rituals to follow, love life in
the region is very pure and strong. Conjugal rights are granted post
wedlock. In a nutshell, matrimony is sanctimonious in Mithila lifestyles.
The
foundation behind such a strong, institution of marriage is owing to the
ingrained ethical values, social ethos, family obligation and uncompromising
attitude to adhere to high principles of a successful life and soul-matching.
What’s
more, the system of marriage registry, colloquially called panjikar and
genealogical records, panji in Maithili has been cautiously but scientifically
maintained to avoid marriage between the same gotra (clan).
However, Saurath Sabha does not permit intermarriage. An approval for wedlock
is sought from the system. What the social marriage registrar issues a sidhant
is a kind of marriage approval in itself.
Bounded
on the north by the Himalayas, the south by the river Ganga, the east by the
river Mahananda, and west by the river Gandaki, Mithila was able to develop the
system of marriage-negotiation congregation as back as 700 years ago. However,
many marriage bureaus online and offline have come up in today’s Indian towns.
Moreover,
the first svayambara, a self-chosen form of marriage took
place at Saurath known as Sitasvayambara in treta era, one of
the four epochs. Noticeably, during the 60th Republic Day in 2009, the Bihar
tableau had presented this unique and lively glimpse of Saurath Congregation.
Earlier,
such match-making assemblies were held in 14 villages, namely Saurath,
Khamgadi, Partapur, Sheohar, Govindpur, Fattepur, Sajhaul, Sukhasaina,
Akhrarhi, Hemanagar, Balua, Barauli, Samaul, and Sahsaula in North Bihar. While
Saurath maintains the tradition, all other villages have discontinued holding
such a congregation.
In
2017, this writer launched Paag Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Paag
Campaign) under the banner of Mithilalok Foundation and appealed Maithils
across the world to attend the Global Saurath Congregation beginning from June
25 concluded on July 3 at Saurath in the year.
The
holy place having a temple is merely six kilometers from Madhubani district
headquarters in Bihar. The congregation takes place every year in the month of
Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar.
Earlier
in that year, in a letter to Chief Minister of Bihar, Mithilalok Foundation
requested to develop a Multi-purpose Community Hall at Saurath Sabha to hold
intellectual activities and discourses besides organising the marriage
ceremonies in the conventional ways.
Saurath
has all potentialities to emerge as a centre of intellectual gatherings in the
state of Bihar. It can connect Maithils from across the globe and take them to
their roots. It stands to reason that Saurath’s development will also
curb the unabated migration of Maithils and they will return to their roots and
enthusiastically, add and accelerate the region’s growth.
Mithilalok
Foundation has also put in a strong demand to the concerned agency to accord
Saurath Sabha as a national heritage for its unique tradition and cultural
values. The legendary place of congregation fulfils all characteristics
as per the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)'s definition as a heritage.
Dr Birbal Jha is a noted
author, social entrepreneur and the Managing Director of Lingua Multiservices
Pvt Ltd having a popular trademark ‘British Lingua’. He is credited as
having created a revolution in English training In India with the slogan
‘English for all’. Moreover, he is regarded as the Youngest Living Legend of
Mithila.
