Howly — 600 Years of History, Culture & Howly Raas
Barpeta · Assam · India

HOWLY lives here.

A town shaped by six centuries of history, faith, culture, stories and people.

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More than a town

Not just a place.
A living story.

600

Six centuries
of memory.

Howly carries a remarkable history that stretches back around 600 years. From the story of Chandi Baruah and the origins of the name Howly to its evolving cultural identity, the town remains deeply connected to the heritage of Assam.

The stories behind Howly

People. Memory.
Culture.

Chandi Baruah
01

Chandi Baruah

The historical figure associated with the origins of Howly and the story of Rajhouli.

Manomati
02

Manomati

A celebrated Assamese literary work whose story and cultural memory remain connected with Howly.

Srimanta Sankardeva
03

Sankardeva

The influence of Srimanta Sankardeva and the Vaishnavite tradition forms an important part of Assam's cultural story.

Howly town and culture
04

A Town of Culture

A place where festivals, music, theatre, traditions and community continue to shape everyday life.

Howly Raas Mandir
Howly · Assam

HOWLY
RAAS

What began in 1928 at Howly Hatkhola as a three-day cultural celebration grew into one of the region's most significant gatherings, carrying generations of devotion, performance and community spirit.

A story
through time.

1928

The beginning

Howly Raas Mahotsav begins at Howly Hatkhola as a three-day celebration.

1954

A changing town

Howly's growing importance and changing surroundings begin influencing the festival's future.

1955

A new home

The Raas celebration moves from its original location following changes connected with NH31.

1997

A larger vision

A large temple committee is formed, strengthening the organisation and scale of the celebration.

2007

A new temple

The new Raas temple is consecrated on January 31, marking another important chapter in Howly's cultural journey.

The story
continues.

Six hundred years behind us. Generations ahead. This is Howly.