Majuli, April 15 -- In a striking celebration of tradition and community, Assam's river island Majuli came alive with a centuries-old ritual as devotees gathered at Sri Sri Auniati Satra on Wednesday to mark Boka Bihu, welcoming the Assamese New Year, Bohag, with an unusual mud-smearing practice.

The 373-year-old tradition, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the region, saw participants joyfully applying a mixture of mud and cow dung to each other's bodies.

Unlike conventional festivities, Boka Bihu embraces the earth as a symbol of peace, purity, and healing, creating a powerful connection between people and nature.

Held annually at Auniati Satra, the ritual has been preserved for over three centuries, reflecting the spiritual an...