99th Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026: Dates, Car Lottery, Prize List and Cultural Celebrations in Assam
The 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 24 to December 8, 2026, turning the town of Howly in Assam into a vibrant centre of devotion, traditional performances, cultural activities and community celebrations. Recognised as one of the prominent Raas festivals of western Assam, this 15-day celebration brings together devotees, visitors, artists, traders and people from different communities.
Centred on the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna, the festival reflects Assam's rich Vaishnavite heritage and its tradition of combining religious devotion with performing arts. The celebration features devotional programmes, traditional theatre, folk performances, a large public fair, local food stalls, shopping areas and entertainment activities.
However, one attraction that has made Howly Raas Mahotsav particularly popular across Assam and neighbouring states is its famous Borongoni Potro, or grand lucky coupon draw. The 2026 edition has attracted considerable attention because of its announced collection of 21 vehicle prizes, including a Range Rover Sport as the first prize.
Whether you are visiting for the spiritual atmosphere, traditional Assamese culture, the grand fair or the much-discussed car draw, Howly Raas Mahotsav offers a memorable experience of Assam's living cultural traditions.
Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026: Quick Information
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav |
| Year | 2026 |
| Edition | 99th |
| Starting Date | November 24, 2026 |
| Ending Date | December 8, 2026 |
| Duration | 15 days |
| Venue | Howly Raas Mandir and surrounding festival grounds |
| Location | Howly, Assam |
| Main Celebration | Lord Krishna's Raas Leela |
| Major Attractions | Raas Leela, Bhaona, Oja-Pali, Dhulia, Yatra, Kabigaan and Mina Bazaar |
| Special Attraction | Borongoni Potro vehicle lucky draw |
| Coupon Price | ₹100, as announced for the 2026 draw |
| Vehicle Prizes | 21 announced prizes |
| Final Draw | Scheduled for December 8, 2026 |
| Artist Lineup | Complete lineup not officially announced in the information currently available |
History and Significance of Howly Raas Mahotsav
Howly Raas Mahotsav has developed into an important religious and cultural tradition of Assam. Its history is commonly traced back to 1928, when the celebration began as a comparatively small event at Howly Hatkhola.
Over the decades, the festival gradually grew in scale and became a major annual gathering for people from Barpeta and surrounding areas. What started as a local religious celebration has developed into a large public event that combines devotion, theatre, music, traditional arts, trade and community participation.
The festival is rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition associated with Srimanta Sankardeva, whose teachings and cultural movement transformed the religious and artistic landscape of Assam. Through devotional music, drama, dance and storytelling, the festival brings the stories of Lord Krishna to life.
One of the defining characteristics of Howly Raas Mahotsav is its inclusive atmosphere. Although the central theme is religious, people from different faiths and communities participate in the celebrations, visit the fair and enjoy the cultural programmes. This spirit of togetherness has become an important part of the festival's identity.
Today, Howly Raas Mahotsav is not only a religious occasion but also a major cultural and social gathering that showcases the artistic heritage and community spirit of western Assam.
Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026 Dates and Schedule
The 99th edition of Howly Raas Mahotsav is scheduled for November 24 to December 8, 2026.
The 15-day celebration will feature a range of religious, cultural and public activities centred around the Howly Raas Mandir and its surrounding festival grounds.
Visitors can experience devotional rituals, Raas Leela presentations, traditional performances, cultural programmes, shopping stalls and the large festival fair.
The final day, December 8, is particularly significant because the grand Borongoni Potro lucky draw is scheduled to take place on the concluding day.
Visitors planning to attend should follow announcements from the Howly Raas Mahotsav Udjapan Samiti for the detailed daily programme, performance timings and final draw arrangements.
What Is Raas Leela and Why Is It Celebrated?
Raas Leela is a devotional representation of the divine relationship between Lord Krishna and the Gopis of Vrindavan. It depicts the spiritual love, devotion and divine play associated with Krishna's life.
In Assam, Raas celebrations have a strong connection with the Neo-Vaishnavite movement of Srimanta Sankardeva and the development of Assamese devotional literature, music, dance and theatre.
The festival brings these stories to audiences through dramatic presentations, devotional songs, traditional costumes, music and artistic performances.
At Howly, Raas Leela is the spiritual heart of the Mahotsav. The performances allow devotees and visitors to experience the stories of Krishna in a traditional cultural setting while preserving an important part of Assam's religious and performing arts heritage.
Major Attractions of Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026
The festival offers a variety of activities for devotees, families, cultural enthusiasts and visitors.
1. Lord Krishna's Raas Leela
The main attraction is the presentation of Lord Krishna's Raas Leela. Traditional performances portray episodes from Krishna's life and his divine play with Radha and the Gopis.
Through colourful costumes, music, devotional storytelling and stage arrangements, the performances create a spiritual atmosphere for visitors.
2. Naam-Kirtan and Devotional Programmes
Religious activities form an important part of the festival. Devotees participate in Naam-Kirtan, devotional singing, Bhagavata readings, prayer sessions and other traditional Vaishnavite observances.
The Howly Raas Mandir and Madan-Mohan Kirtanghar serve as important centres for these activities.
3. Oja-Pali
Oja-Pali is a traditional Assamese performing art that combines narrative storytelling, devotional themes, music and rhythmic movements.
The lead performer, known as the Oja, narrates stories through songs and expressive gestures, while the accompanying Palis support the performance. It is an important example of Assam's traditional oral and performing arts.
4. Dhulia
Dhulia is a traditional folk performance associated with energetic drumming, rhythmic movements and entertaining physical expressions.
The performances bring a lively atmosphere to the festival and showcase the musical and artistic traditions of Assam.
5. Yatra and Kabigaan
Yatra refers to a form of open-air theatrical performance that presents stories through acting, music and dialogue.
Kabigaan, on the other hand, is associated with poetic exchanges and musical debates between performers. Both forms add variety to the cultural programme and help preserve traditional performance practices.
6. Modern Cultural and Musical Programmes
Alongside traditional art forms, the festival also features contemporary entertainment and stage performances.
Regional and other invited artists may perform during the event. However, the complete artist lineup and day-wise programme for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially confirmed in the information currently available.
Visitors should check announcements from the organising committee before planning their visit around a particular performer.
7. The Grand Raas Mela and Mina Bazaar
The festival grounds become a large fair during the 15-day celebration. The mela attracts traders, artisans, vendors and visitors from different parts of Assam and neighbouring areas.
Major attractions include:
Handloom and traditional textile stalls.
Cane and bamboo handicraft exhibitions.
Local products presented by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and community organisations.
Book fairs and shopping stalls.
Mina Bazaar and amusement rides.
Local food stalls and traditional Assamese delicacies.
Family entertainment and public gathering spaces.
The mela creates opportunities for local businesses and artisans while adding a festive atmosphere to the town.
Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026 Grand Car Lottery: Borongoni Potro
One of the most talked-about attractions of Howly Raas Mahotsav is its famous Borongoni Potro, the traditional lucky coupon draw associated with the festival.
Over the years, the draw has become a major attraction, drawing attention from people across Assam and neighbouring states. Its popularity comes from the opportunity to win vehicles and other announced prizes through a relatively low-priced coupon.
For the 2026 edition, the organisers have announced a prize collection featuring 21 vehicles, with the Range Rover Sport listed as the first prize.
The 2026 coupon price is announced as ₹100 per coupon, and the final draw is scheduled for December 8, 2026.
The lucky draw is also an important fundraising activity associated with the festival's religious and cultural development initiatives.
Howly Raas Lottery 2026: Prize List
The announced 2026 vehicle prize list includes:
| Prize Position | Vehicle |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | Range Rover Sport |
| 2nd Prize | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
| 3rd Prize | Toyota Fortuner |
| 4th Prize | Toyota Innova Crysta |
| 5th Prize | Skoda Kushaq Sportline |
| 6th Prize | Mahindra Scorpio Classic |
| 7th Prize | Tata Sierra |
| 8th Prize | Kia Carens |
| 9th Prize | Toyota Urban Cruiser |
| 10th Prize | Hyundai Creta |
| 11th Prize | Maruti Grand Vitara |
| 12th Prize | Skoda Slavia |
| 13th Prize | Hyundai Venue |
| 14th Prize | Mahindra XUV 3XO |
| 15th Prize | Maruti Suzuki Dzire |
| 16th Prize | Hyundai Aura |
| 17th Prize | Tata Altroz |
| 18th Prize | Maruti Suzuki Swift |
| 19th Prize | Tata Punch |
| 20th Prize | Hyundai Exter |
| 21st Prize | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R |
Important: There is conflicting reporting about the second-prize Mercedes-Benz model. Some prize-list information identifies it as the CLA, while a news report identifies it as the GLA. Confirm the exact model and final prize list with the organising committee before treating the table as definitive.
How Much Does a Howly Raas Lottery Coupon Cost?
The announced price for a 2026 Borongoni Potro coupon is ₹100.
Due to the popularity of the draw, coupon distribution has attracted large crowds, with reports of people waiting for hours at designated counters. The organising committee has also changed the distribution location to manage the rush.
Where Can You Buy Howly Raas Lottery Tickets?
According to the committee advisory reported in local news, genuine 2026 coupons are available through designated physical distribution counters and authorised representatives.
Visitors and interested buyers should remember:
Purchase coupons only from official counters or authorised committee members.
Do not transfer money to unknown people claiming to sell official online tickets.
Avoid suspicious websites, social media pages and WhatsApp messages offering digital coupons.
Check the coupon details and retain the original ticket safely.
Follow the committee's announcements for any changes in counter locations and distribution arrangements.
Online scam warning: The organising committee has reportedly warned the public that authentic coupons are distributed offline. Do not assume that a website or social media page offering online ticket sales is authorised.
When Will the Howly Raas Lottery 2026 Draw Take Place?
The grand lucky draw is scheduled for December 8, 2026, the final day of the 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav.
The draw procedure, venue and any additional rules should be confirmed through the official organising committee announcements.
Gold Rewards for Near-Miss Coupon Numbers
Some 2026 event references also mention gold rewards for coupon numbers immediately adjacent to the first three winning numbers. The stated rewards are:
First-prize adjacent numbers: 1 tola of gold.
Second-prize adjacent numbers: Half a tola of gold.
Third-prize adjacent numbers: 4 annas of gold.
These additional rewards should be treated as subject to the committee's final published terms and conditions. Buyers should verify eligibility, coupon-number rules and the exact reward details before relying on this information.
Why Is Howly Raas Mahotsav Special?
Howly Raas Mahotsav has a distinctive identity because it brings religious devotion, traditional art, public entertainment and community participation together in one large celebration.
Unlike festivals that are limited to religious rituals, Howly's celebration has developed into a wider social and cultural gathering.
Its importance can be understood through several aspects:
Preserving Assamese heritage: The festival keeps traditional Raas Leela, Naam-Kirtan, Oja-Pali and other performing arts visible to new generations.
Promoting cultural harmony: People from different religious and social backgrounds participate in the celebrations.
Supporting local businesses: The mela provides opportunities for vendors, artisans, traders and Self-Help Groups.
Encouraging tourism: Visitors from different parts of Assam and neighbouring states travel to Howly during the festival.
Strengthening community identity: The annual celebration brings residents and visitors together through shared cultural experiences.
The festival's combination of indigenous traditions and large-scale public participation makes it one of the notable cultural events in western Assam.
How to Reach Howly for Raas Mahotsav 2026
Howly is connected by road and rail through the wider Barpeta region. Visitors travelling from Guwahati and other parts of Assam can reach the town using road or railway services.
By Road
Howly is connected to nearby towns through the regional road network and National Highway 31. Buses, taxis and private vehicles are practical options for reaching the festival.
Visitors travelling from Guwahati can take the road towards Barpeta Road and Howly. Allow extra time during the festival because traffic and parking congestion may increase.
By Train
Barpeta Road Railway Station is the principal nearby railway station for visitors travelling by train.
From the station, Howly can be reached by local taxi, shared vehicle or other road transport.
Visitors should check train schedules and local transport availability before travelling.
By Air
The nearest major airport gateway is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.
From Guwahati, visitors can continue towards Howly by road or travel by train from a suitable railway station.
Local Transport and Parking
Local taxis and other transport options can be used to reach the festival grounds. Because the event attracts large crowds, parking near the main venue may become congested, particularly during evening programmes and the final days.
Visitors are advised to follow local traffic instructions and use designated parking areas.
Where to Stay During Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026?
Howly and the nearby Barpeta Road area offer several accommodation options for visitors. Since the festival attracts a large number of people over 15 days, booking a room in advance is recommended.
Below are some hotels, guest houses and homestays in Howly and the surrounding area.
Hotels and Guest Houses in Howly
1. Hotel O Axom Inn (Axom Inn Guest House)
Address: First Floor, Ward 2, Dag No. 184, NH 31, above Royal Enfield Showroom, near Manas Gas Agency, Howly, Barpeta, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 98640 11101
2. H B Guest House
Address: Ward No. 1, near Swad Sagar Dhaba, A G Manor Building, NH 31, Howly, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 70866 47020
Alternative Contact: +91 97517 02000
3. Florida Family Restaurant & Guest House
Address: Itervita, Shanti Bazar Road, NH 27, Howly, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 93625 97583
4. Aathithya Guest House
Address: Howly to Simlaguri Road, NH 31, Nagarjar / Phulkipara, Howly, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 81359 55400 / +91 76368 73900
5. NK Guest House
Address: Ward No. 2, opposite NH 31 Police Point, Nagarjar, Howly, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 88765 12795 / +91 93957 05636 / +91 60015 24995 / +91 91322 51427 / +91 70990 48770
6. Hotel O by OYO Welcome Resort & Family Restaurant
Address: Building No. 45, Block No. 4, Village Galia, NH 31, near Toll Plaza, Bajali, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 124 620 1318
Accommodation Around Simlaguri and Barpeta Road
7. Choudhury's Stay
Address: Simlaguri, near the flyover in Udaynagar, Simlaguri, Barpeta Road, Assam - 781316
Phone: +91 87210 67058 / +91 70022 77353 / +91 93654 35137 / +91 70026 12704
8. Hotel Mango Tree
Address: Barpeta-Manas Road, 1st Floor, Sat Bainer Tup / Helapākari / Kumguri, Barpeta Road, Assam - 781316
9. Hotel Subham
Address: Ward No. 6, Dag No. 979, Vishal Complex, 2nd Floor, GLC College Road, Gahori Bazar, near Domino's, Barpeta Road, Assam - 781315
Phone: +91 76368 22611 / +91 81339 11788
10. Hotel Royal Palace
Address: Progoti Tower, opposite Dilip Cinema Hall, Barpeta Road, Assam - 781315
Phone: +91 69001 28143 / +91 83999 99644 / +91 81339 05552
11. Dhyaan Niwas & Nest & Luxe Homestay
Address: Jyoti Nagar, Bala Bhitha, Simlaguri, Barpeta Road, Assam - 781313
Accommodation advice: The above properties are travel references, not confirmed official festival accommodation partners. Please contact each property directly to verify its current operating status, room availability, rates, location and booking arrangements. Accommodation can fill quickly during the festival, especially around the final days.
Best Time to Visit Howly Raas Mahotsav
The festival continues for 15 days, so visitors can choose their travel dates according to their interests.
Evening visits: Evenings are particularly attractive for experiencing the illuminated festival grounds, cultural programmes, shopping stalls, food areas and public celebrations.
Traditional performances: Visitors interested in Raas Leela, Naam-Kirtan and folk performances should check the daily programme to choose the most suitable day.
The final day: December 8 is scheduled for the grand Borongoni Potro draw and is expected to attract significant public interest. Visitors should prepare for larger crowds and possible traffic congestion.
If you prefer a relatively relaxed visit, consider attending before the final days and exploring the cultural and religious programmes at a comfortable pace.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Book accommodation early: Hotels and guest houses may experience high demand during the 15-day festival.
Check the programme: Confirm the timings of Raas Leela, cultural performances and special events before visiting.
Plan transport: Arrange your return journey in advance, particularly if travelling by train.
Expect crowds: The fair and lottery-related activities can attract large gatherings, especially during evenings.
Keep valuables safe: Use basic precautions in crowded areas and keep personal belongings secure.
Buy coupons carefully: Purchase Borongoni Potro coupons only through authorised physical counters and retain the original coupon.
Respect religious spaces: Follow temple rules and maintain decorum during devotional activities.
Support local artisans: Explore local handloom, cane and bamboo products and support community vendors.
Try local food: The festival offers an opportunity to explore Assamese snacks and regional delicacies.
Follow official updates: Confirm the latest information about the draw, prize list, counter locations and programme schedule.
Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026: A Celebration of Devotion, Culture and Community
The 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav is an important celebration of Assam's religious and cultural heritage. Its 15-day programme brings together the spiritual significance of Lord Krishna's Raas Leela, traditional Assamese performing arts, a lively public fair and a strong sense of community participation.
The famous Borongoni Potro car draw has added another dimension to the festival's popularity, attracting attention from people far beyond Howly. However, the true significance of the Mahotsav lies in its ability to preserve traditional cultural expressions while bringing people together across social and religious boundaries.
From devotional performances and folk theatre to local crafts, food stalls and the grand fair, Howly offers visitors a glimpse of Assam's living traditions.
For anyone interested in Assamese culture, religious festivals and the vibrant community life of western Assam, the 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026 is an event worth experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026
1. When will the 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav 2026 be held?
The 99th Howly Raas Mahotsav is scheduled from November 24 to December 8, 2026. The festival will run for 15 days.
2. Where is Howly Raas Mahotsav celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in Howly, Assam, with the Howly Raas Mandir and surrounding festival grounds serving as its main centre.
3. What is the main attraction of Howly Raas Mahotsav?
The main religious attraction is Lord Krishna's Raas Leela. Other highlights include Naam-Kirtan, Oja-Pali, Dhulia, Yatra, Kabigaan, the grand fair and the famous Borongoni Potro vehicle draw.
4. What is the Borongoni Potro lottery at Howly Raas Mahotsav?
Borongoni Potro is the popular lucky coupon draw associated with Howly Raas Mahotsav. The 2026 edition has an announced prize collection of 21 vehicles, including a Range Rover Sport as the first prize.
5. What is the Howly Raas lottery ticket price in 2026?
The announced coupon price for the 2026 draw is ₹100 per coupon.
6. Where can I buy Howly Raas lottery tickets?
According to the reported committee advisory, genuine coupons are distributed through designated physical counters and authorised representatives. Avoid unofficial online sellers and suspicious digital payment requests.
7. When will the Howly Raas lottery 2026 result be declared?
The grand draw is scheduled for December 8, 2026, the concluding day of the festival. Follow the organising committee's announcements for the exact draw time, procedure and result publication.
8. What are the major vehicle prizes in the Howly Raas lottery 2026?
The announced prizes include a Range Rover Sport, a Mercedes-Benz model, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova Crysta, Škoda Kushaq Sportline, Mahindra Scorpio Classic, Tata Sierra, Kia Carens, Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara, among other vehicles. Confirm the final official list, especially the exact second-prize Mercedes-Benz model.
9. How can I reach Howly from Guwahati?
Visitors can travel from Guwahati to Howly by road or train. Barpeta Road Railway Station is the principal nearby railway station, while Guwahati is the major airport gateway.
10. Where can visitors stay during Howly Raas Mahotsav?
Visitors can find accommodation in Howly, Simlaguri and Barpeta Road. Options include local hotels, guest houses and homestays. Advance booking is recommended because of the large festival crowds.
Publishing Note: The dates, ₹100 coupon price, 21-vehicle prize announcement and December 8 draw date are based on 2026 event reporting and available festival information. The exact second-prize Mercedes-Benz model has conflicting descriptions, and the additional gold rewards require confirmation from the organising committee. Verify all prize terms, authorised coupon counters, accommodation contacts and the final artist schedule before publishing updates.
