Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 29 inaugurated the ₹227 crore redeveloped Batadrava Than, the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam’s Nagaon district.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, along with state Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora.

Upon arrival, Amit Shah was accorded a traditional Sattriya welcome by gayan-bayan—the classical singers and drummers associated with Assam’s Vaishnavite monasteries. He later toured the newly redeveloped central complex, including the sanctum housing the Guru Asana, the sacred seat associated with Srimanta Sankardeva.

The redevelopment project, officially titled Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra, was first announced in the Assam state budget for 2021–22. Designed to blend spiritual significance with cultural storytelling, the project seeks to transform Batadrava Than into a major spiritual and tourism destination while authentically reflecting Sankardeva’s philosophy, life, and Assam’s rich artistic traditions.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the initiative stands as a tribute to Srimanta Sankardeva’s timeless legacy and underscores the state government’s commitment to preserving and revitalising Assam’s cultural institutions. He added that the redevelopment aligns with ongoing efforts to protect and promote satras, namghars, and the broader Vaishnavite heritage that forms the cultural backbone of Assam.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in safeguarding one of Assam’s most sacred historical sites, reinforcing its role as both a spiritual centre and a symbol of the state’s enduring cultural identity.