A powerful Visit to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurudwara “Honoring Bonds at Dhubri’s Sacred Shores”
The Government of Assam’s initiative of introducing “Matri Pitri Vandana”, a special leave granted to government employees to spend quality time with their parents or in-laws, is a commendable step toward reviving traditional Indian values. This thoughtful policy, observed on 7th November 2024, gave us the gift of time—something often scarce in our fast-paced lives. Taking this opportunity to heart, I planned a one-day tour to Dhubri with my father, a trip that turned out to be more than just a journey—it became a cherished memory.
Why Dhubri?
Dhubri, a town set away on the banks of the Brahmaputra, is a cultural, historical, and spiritually profound tapestry. Dhubri, often called the “Land of Rivers,” was the ideal location for relaxation, reconnection, and introspection.
My father had visited the town’s Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib when he was younger, and he had often talked highly of it. Because it is thought that the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, stopped by on his mission, it has a particular place in Sikh history. This journey was intended to be a personal pilgrimage for us both.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Morning: Setting Off from Bongaigaon
On November 7, 2024, the day started out slowly at our Bongaigaon home. The streets were calm with the peacefulness of a town just awakening, the air was clear, and the sky still had a hint of dawn. In order to commemorate the newly implemented special vacation for Assam government employees to spend quality time with their parents or in-laws, known as Matri Pitri Vandana, my father and I got up early to prepare for our special one-day trip to Dhubri.
There was a quiet excitement in the air as we packed a small bag—some snacks, water bottles, and a camera. My father, usually reserved, seemed cheerful, already reminiscing about the last time he had been to Dhubri nearly two decades ago. For him, this wasn’t just a journey—it was a revisit to a place filled with memories. For me, it was a chance to create new ones together.
We left around 6:30 AM, just as the sunlight began filtering through the trees. Driving through the familiar roads of Bongaigaon, I was struck by how different it felt to be on the move without the usual rush of a workday. No office calls, no deadlines—just the road ahead and a calm sense of purpose.
Our first stop was a tea stall just outside town, a place my father remembered from his younger days. We sat on a wooden bench, sipping hot Assam tea as the day slowly stretched open around us. It was in that moment—watching my father quietly smile into his cup—that I truly felt the meaning of this leave. Time, often taken for granted, suddenly felt precious.
The landscape opened up like a painting as we continued our journey: verdant fields, clumps of bamboo trees, with the occasional glimpse of the Brahmaputra shimmering in the distance. My father told me about his early years, including the food he carried and the songs he sung when cycling from Bongaigaon to Dhubri with his buddies during college breaks. I was travelling through his memories with every mile, not simply through space.
What struck me most was the shift in our conversation. We weren’t just talking like father and daughter—we were speaking like friends. There was laughter, moments of silence, and a deepening understanding between us that I hadn’t felt in years.
By the time we approached Dhubri town, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Both of us were looking forward to visiting the Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, but more than that, I was grateful for the journey itself.
The road from Bongaigaon to Dhubri that day was more than a route—it was a ribbon of connection between generations, made possible by a single thoughtful gesture: Matri Pitri Vandana.
Midday: At the Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Dhubri
By noon, we arrived at the Gurudwara. The serenity of the place immediately struck us. Built on the banks of the Brahmaputra, the Gurudwara is not just a spiritual site—it is a symbol of harmony, drawing visitors from all communities.
We offered our prayers, sat for langar (community meal), and spent time listening to shabad kirtan. My father was visibly emotional—being here after decades stirred memories of his youth. Watching him relive those moments reminded me why the Matri Pitri Vandana leave is so important. It’s not just about spending a day—it’s about acknowledging the lives our parents have lived and sharing a piece of it with them.
Afternoon: A Short Visit to Dhubri Market
After spending a peaceful and soul-refreshing time at the Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, we decided to explore a different side of Dhubri—a visit to the bustling Dhubri town market. The day was still young, we had a special reason in mind. “Let’s get something for Pragyan,” The market in Dhubri, vibrant and full of life, had its own charm. Narrow lanes lined with colorful shops, the calls of vendors, and the mingling aromas of street snacks made the place feel alive and inviting. My father, usually hesitant about shopping, was surprisingly eager. He walked ahead, scanning shop after shop with a quiet determination. It was clear this wasn’t just about buying clothes or shoes—this was an emotional gesture, his way of welcoming his newborn grandson, Pragyan, into the world.
We made a brief stop at a tiny clothing shop nestled in a market niche. Friendly and helpful, the shopkeeper displayed a charming assortment of little baby items, including colourful rompers, soft woollens, and adorable caps. My father picked out a pair of soft baby shoes and a sky-blue jumper set with care. As he pictured his young grandchild wearing them, I could see the pride in his eyes. He held out the shoes with a kind, almost reverent gesture, saying, “He’ll look smart in this.”
This simple shopping trip became one of the highlights of our day. It wasn’t just about the items we bought—it was about the emotion behind them. For my father, it was a small, tangible way to connect with the next generation of our family. For me, it was a moment of quiet joy, watching him express love in his own gentle way. By the time we left the market, our bags were light, but our hearts were full.
Evening: Sunset at Brahmaputra Netai Dhubuni Ghat
We sat beside the Brahmaputra Netai Dhubuni ghat as the sun started to drop before returning. Like the relationship between a parent and child, the river flowed endlessly while shimmering in the golden light. We didn’t speak much in that hour—sometimes quiet is the purest kind of understanding.
My father simply said, “I had forgotten how beautiful this place is. Thank you for bringing me back.” That was all I needed to hear to know that the day was worth it.
Reflections: The Real Meaning of Matri Pitri Vandana
The idea behind Matri Pitri Vandana is rooted in the Indian ethos of honoring one’s parents—something our scriptures and traditions have always emphasized. In the grind of daily duties, we often forget that our parents—who once built our world—now yearn for a little of our time.
This special leave is not a formality; it’s an invitation to pause and return to our roots. It’s a way to say thank you—not through gifts or grand gestures—but simply by being there.
A Message to Fellow Government Employees
If you work for the Assam government and are reading this, I advise you to make the most of your leave. Take your parents somewhere they enjoy, pay them a visit, or just have tea and chat.
Our parents have already given us enough time, so they won’t ask for more. But when we offer it to them, even for a day, they will cherish it.
Final Words
Our one-day trip to Dhubri was more than a break—it was a bridge between generations, a day of laughter, reflection, and bonding. As we returned home late in the evening, my heart felt full. I looked at my father—tired, but smiling—and I knew we had both received something priceless.
The rivers of Dhubri may keep flowing, but for me, time stood still on 7th November 2024.
Thank you, Assam Government, for the gift of Matri Pitri Vandana.
Basic Info : Distance from Bongaigaon to Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Dhubri
- Approx. 95 kilometers by road
- Takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car depending on traffic and road conditions
- Route: Bongaigaon → Bilasipara → Gauripur → Dhubri Town
- You can see Map Location more
Have you taken your Matri Pitri Vandana leave this year? Where did you go, and what did it mean to you? Share your stories in the comments or write to us at Sangeetablog.in !