The Context of Bithangal Akhra

The ‘Ram-Krishna Akhra of Bithangal’ or popularly known as ‘Bithongal Akhra’ is a listed cultural heritage of the Government of Bangladesh situated at the serene landscape of Baniyachang Upazilla in Habiganj district. Bithangal is an exceptional religious heritage site not only for the geographical location amidst the tranquil ‘hawor’ waterscape but also for embodying a contested past that has been reconciled in the current interpretation. The site is a dynamic agent in constructing and developing several kirtan songs, cultural performances, and local traditions that have shaped and morphed the Vaishnavism sect in the Eastern part of the Bengal Delta. ‘Akhra’ can be conceptualized as a collective ritual performance place for the believers of a particular faith as well as the social groups who subscribe to a specific ideology. Unlike the monasteries, the Bithangal akhra is non-regimental and less dominated by the disciplines of the doctrines. By accommodating people of different ages and offering a semi-formal religious cum residential space, ‘akhra’ has a unique heritage significance. 

The historical context of the Vaishnava akhra of Bithangal encapsulates an expression of the social power for the subaltern grassroots. This akhra was established in a context when there was a tension between power and religious practices. Caste-system of traditional Hinduism had stratified the society forming differences and hierarchies, resulting in an identity crisis for the marginal communities. Besides, the cultural traditions and performances of the lower castes were significantly suppressed by the elite knowledge and interest of the hegemonic regime, which had formed challenges in practicing and retaining the cultural values. In an antagonistic context of class dividedness and racism, the ordinary people were thriving to have grace from being neglected and disregarded. 

In this background, in the seventeenth century, Bithangal Akhra was established by Guru Ramkrishna Goswami, a preacher of Vaishanivsm who personally believed in religious equity. This akhra aimed to treat its believers equally that eventually fostered social unity while the participation in cultural activities established harmony. In a broader social spectrum, the absence of a caste system in this religion socially lifted and spiritually empowered the individuals. Away from a centralized and politically controlled urban area in the Sylhet region, this site was located amidst the tranquil 'hawor' wetlands, which was a reasonable distance from the objective world. People could only reach here by boats that took days. 

Bithongol Akhra was a physical manifestation of the peaceful Vaishnava religion where the believers would come to have stayed away from the profanity and at the same time they could meditate in a serene milieu where the sacredness could hardly be interrupted. The Akhra has another spiritual meaning for people, regardless of their faith, who traveled here for physical recuperation. The management committee of Bithongol akhra fa ced a significant challenge during Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, who reformed the land revenue administration and revoked its ‘Lakheraj’ or revenue-free land status. During the Swadeshi Movement in the twentieth century, this akhra was a temporary hideout for the protesters who used to take trained here disguised as believers. While the concept of livingness through culture and nature offered solace, at the same time, the sharing and socializing of the ordinary people actively contributed to healing the social wounds and reconcile the social tension. The negotiations of meanings and values within the context had imposed challenges that contributed to obscuring multivocality and meanings at interpretation. 

The heritage endowment has augmented the religiosity, endorsed the historical significances, and re-established the embedded cultural values. Beyond the conflict-ridden historical context in negotiating unity and equity, the inclusive atmosphere has been restored. The current interpretation of the premise prioritizes the temple management committee in decision-making process that eventually ensures conserving oral histories, traditional performances and ritual practices. 

The intervention is an empathetic and sensitive approach that focuses on preserving the reverence atmosphere and liturgic values embedded within the site with minimal physical alterations of the building materials. The site welcomes again the inter-faith audiences and influenced them to be active meaning-makers in the ritual performances as well as secular activities. Thus, it significantly promotes a narrative of peace and unity.