Asa literally stick or staff. It also
has special religious connotations. A five-pronged asa, with two sticks
joined at the top, is referred to as Gazi's asa. It is also known as the
symbol of five pirs or Muslim saints. During sessions of gazir
gan (Gazi's songs), Gazi's asa is planted upright
in the ground as a symbol of Gazi. People offer food grains and coins
on a platter at the foot of the asa.
An asa is also used during the Shirni festival held on
the last day of Paus, the ninth month of the Bangla calendar.
On this occasion, young cowherds and village children, holding
an asa in their hands, go from door to door, begging for food
grains. They sing songs and recite rhymes. The stick used by pirs,
fakirs, saints and sannyasis is also known as asa.
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Satya Pir's Asa |
Gazi's Asa |
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Both the bible
and the quran
describe the miracles that Hazrat Musa (R) wrought with his staff, such
as dividing the waters of the Red Sea for safe passage for the Jews. [Momen
Chowdhury]
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