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 Majuli the largest
river island in the world, is a civil sub-division of Jorhat District.
It is located 20 km. off Jorhat town (Asom, India). It is a pollution
free fresh water island. Total area of the island was 1250 sq.km., now
it is about 650 sq.km. Its
length from east to west is about 90 km. & width from north to south is
avg. 16 km. Majuli is
a natural & cultural heritage site.
With water bodies covering most of the areas ,
Majuli attracts plenty of birds both
local & migratory. About 25—26
Satras are remaining now in Majuli of which the Satras of Kamalabari,
Auniati & Garmur are worth mentioning. These Satras are propagating the
religious ideology of great Assamese medieval Vaisnavite Saint
Sankardeva & Madhavdeva, preaching Satria culture.
Fair & Festival
Majuli, is famous as the world's biggest
river island, nestles in the lap of the mighty Brahmaputra. Her face
uplifted to the limitless frontiers of the blue sky. Her feet
perpetually caressed by the lapping waters of the holy Brahmaputra, her
vision stretched to the distant hills of the Himalayan and other than
the master craftsman who moulded the universe - God himself. No wonder
then that the sublime and the serene atmosphere of the island - the
intimate companionship of the soul with the elements and the
river-provided the backdrop for the historic " Moni Kanchan Sanjog"
between Assam's pioneer Vaishnavite Saints Shankardeva and his disciple
Madhabdeva in the 15the Century. Ever since that meeting of the great
minds and the subsequent establishment of "Satras" that followed, Majuli
emerged as the crowning glory of Vaishnavite culture in Assam.
Multifaceted in its attractions. Majuli, unfolds a vanity of interest to
the tourist rare migratory birds, traditional handicraft and pottery;
ethnic culture and dance forms; water sports etc.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Vaishnava Satras founded by Sandardeva,
the father of Assamese culture. In fifteen century Shankardeva took
shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri (in west
Majuli) which was a place of glory for the historic and auspicious;
Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Mahavdeval. This was the
first "Satra" in Majuli. From "Manikanchan Sanjog" there had been sixty
five "Satras growing up for propagation of ethics and socio-cultural
ideals. But at present there are only twenty two satras in Majuli. The
other had to be shifted to other safer places due to devastation of
flood and erosion. Among those the main existing satras are :- Dakhinpat
Satra, Garamurh Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra
and Samaguri Satra. These Satra are the treasure house of "Borgeet".
Matiakhara. Jumora dance. Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee,
Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance, Dasavater Dance
etc. which were contributed by Shri Shankardeva.
Dakhinpat Satra
Dakhinpat Satra was founded
by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one
of the State festivals of Assam.
Garamurh Satra
This Satra was founded by
Lakshmikantdeva. During Autumn end traditional Raasleela is performed
with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons are also preserved here.
Auniati Satra
Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva,
this satra is famous for 'Paalnaam' and Apsara dance and it also has
considerable collection of old Assamese utensils, jewellery and
handicrafts.
Kamalabari Satra
Kamalabari Satra founded by
Bedulapadma Ata, is a center of art, culture, literature and classical
studies. Its branch Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural
programme of satria art in several states of India and abroad.
Bengenaati Satra
It is a store house of culturally
important antiques and an advanced center of performing arts. Muraridev,
the grand son of Shankaradeva's step mother, had founded the
SSwargadeoatra. The royal robes belong to the Ahom king Swargadeo
Gadadhar Singha, made of Gold and an umbrella which is also made of
gold, are preserved here.
Other attractions
(i) The entire plain tribes also
possess a colourful and resourceful cultural entity.
(ii) Various species of rare migratory birds like Pelican are found
Majuli.
(iii) Festival like ALI-AI-LVIGANG of the Mising tribe is also
celebrated here during the first Wednesday of the month GINMUR POLO.
(February - March)
(iv) The pottery making centre is situated at Upper Majuli.
(v) Many suitable places are there for viewing the full sunset during
winter.
(vi) The PAL NAAM at Auniati Satra is a huge mela, helds at the end of
Autumn.
(viii) Another Festival performed by the Sonowal Kacharis tribe is "Bathow
Puja" where Lord Shiva is workshiped with high veneration.
Majuli Festival
There will be a lot
of scopes to fit yourself as a part of this festival . Special events
are being organized during the festivals days round the clock. Cultural
programmes will continue with the participation of various traditional
and classical cultural troupes of Assam and troupes from rest of the
country, in addition to rich cultural heritage of Majuli.
Exhibition will also be there with the demostration of various Assamese
products specially designed and prepared by experts artistes
highlighting traditional glory of Majuli too. Assamese and tribal dishes
of Majuli will also be made available, and food festival will also be
organized during this time.
The festival will include a number of attractive allied activities
covering various aspects. Leading exponents from wide spectrum of
activities are being approached to make the occasion a remarkable one.
Seminars are also being organized on different topics.
Therefore the
festival will definitely make you reach a desired destination for
adventure and spiritual tourism.
What to see
The assemblage and assimilation of all ethnic groups under the same sky,
retaining their respective individual and traditional cultural entities
is a very striking phenomenon that easily attracts the visitors to this
island. With the glories history of five hundred years of Satriya living
cultural tradition, the rich and colourful tribal cultural elements and
the natural beauty with a unique assemblage of flora and fauna; Majuli
has the charm to beckon the tourists unraveling itself as paradise on
the earth. Extinct species of various migratory birds are found in
Majuli which creates an environment of bird sanctuary.
Location of the
Festival
On the bank of river Luit which is located in a backdrop of immense
scenic beauty. This is only 1.5 km of distance from the Garamur, i.e.
sub divisional head quarter of Majuli.
Climate during Festival
During the festival time coolest period will run, when average
temperature is 100 to 150c . in this season different cultural
activities encourage Majulian to engage themselves in creative
activities. So that the ideal time for festival of this nature.
in other hand, Majuli has its environment still protected from pollution
in all climatic conditions.
Date of Festival
The climate conditions as well as road communication facilities in
Majuli, winter is presumed to be the suitable time for holding the
festival. Therefore it is proposed to hold Majuli festival, 2002 in the
month of November 21 st to 24th.
Tourist
interests
Majuli is situated
at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat Town (Asom, India). One can take the
bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services
ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides
and two ferry rides
On the north-bank is the
river Subansiri and on the South bank, the river Brahmaputra has excided
the island from the main land. Lakhimpur town is to the North and
Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast
and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east is Dibrugarh
District.The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva
The colourful culture of the tribes
Migratory birds
The Ali-ao-lvignag festival in Feb-March
Pottery making
Mask making
Paal Namm festival in the end of winter
The sunset in winter
Exotic homespun masks crafts
Tourist Information
Majuli
Location
Majuli, 800 sq km in area, is
located in the Brahmaputra River. It is 12 km north of Jorhat, Asom
State (India). Jorhat is 310 km east of Guwahati city
How
to get there
By road: Jorhat is connected by
road to Guwahati (Asom). ASTC and private-run buses leave early in the
morning and in the evening. The bus ride at night is also fascinating,
particularly on a moonlit night. It will take you 6½ to 7 hours by bus
to reach Jorhat. From Jorhat it is only 14 km to Nimatighat. You can
take a bus or an auto
By train:
The nearest train station is at Jorhat.
By air: The closest airport is also
at Jorhat. There are daily flights to Jorhat from Guwahati, and four
flights a week from Kolkata
The Boat Ride
Plane, train, car or bus, to
actually get to Majuli you have to take a boat ride. It is an island,
remember? There are regular government ferry services to Majuli every
morning and afternoon from Nimatighat. Motorised private boats also
carry passengers across
Best time to visit
From October to March is the best
season. Most of the dance, music and drama performances are also
organised during this period. If possible coincide your holiday with a
Krishna-related festival. Week-long celebrations are held during
Janmastami and Raas Leela, for instance. And do not forget Ali-ai-
ligang!
Where to stay
There are a few small hotels in
Garmur and Kamalabari. Prior booking is not needed as the place is yet
to become crowded with tourists (thank god for small mercies). Through
Assam Tourism, you can arrange your stay at their Circuit House. The
satras run guesthouses with friendly housekeepers and strictly
vegetarian food.
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Sikkim Guide
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