Majuli : The cultural capital of Assam
In this article, I will explain about the largest river Island of the World, Majuli. Majuli is a very rich cultural heritage of Assam. Also I have mentioned about major attraction of Majuli, in this article.
River : Brahmaputra
State : Assam
District : Jorhat
Area : 1250 square kilometre (2001)
Population : 140,000
Majuli is the World's largest fresh water mid-river deltaic island formed by the mighty Brahmaputra. It is a major destination of tourist interest in Assam. Majuli is a civil sub-division of Jorhat district. Majuli had a total area of 1250 square kilometres,but because of significant erosion it has an area of only 421.65 square kilometres now. Its length from East to West is about 90 kilometres and width from North to South is average 16 kilometres. Distance between Jorhat town and Majuli is about 20 kilometres.
There are some twenty three villages in Majuli. The majority of dwellers are tribes who have nurtured and sustained their culture over the years. Some of the major tribes of Majuli are Deori, Mishing, Sonowal kachari, Thengal kachari etc. The major languages includes Assamese, Deori, Mishing, Nepali.
Major attractions of Majuli island :
Majuli has been the cultural capital of Assam for the past five hundred years. Majuli is a principal place of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites of Assam since Ahom Rule. There are several Monastries of Vaishnava religious creed. Four of the most prominent Monastries are Auniati Satra, Dakshinpat Satra, Garamur Satra and Kamalabari Satra. The Vaishnava Satras were founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese Culture. At present there are 22 Monastries in Majuli. The Monastries preserve antiques such as Weapons, Household Utensils, Jewelleries, Dresses and other items of cultural significance. They also practices Mask making, folk songs like Borgeet; Lukogeet etc., folk dances like Satriya dance etc.
The other major attraction of Majuli are Cultural dance, Tribal culture, Migratory birds such as- Pelican, Swaphen Moorhen, Siberian crane, Migratory Ducks, Adjutant Stork etc. , Wildlife, Traditional food items, Folk songs, Fish traps, Rice fields, Handicraft, Pottery, Water sports, Handloom, Mask making etc.
The island is a biodiversity hotspot and has rich ecology with rare breeds of Flora and Fauna. The rural nature of the island makes it a magnet for birds with many exotic species to be found.
How to go? :
Majuli island is accessible by Ferries from Nimati ghat of Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati ghat from where ferry services available. The distance between Nimati ghat and Majuli island is not much, at times it takes two to three hours, because one has to negotiate the varying water levels. Everything is transported by ferries, big and small. From bycycles to cars. The total distance takes over three to four hours to cover,with two bus rides and one Ferry rides. Cost anything from Rs. 40-80. The bus ride costs Rs.10 .
Hotels:
Majuli has a few Hotels and Resorts which are mainly found in Garamur and Kamalabari area,that provide modest accomodation at modest prices, ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs. 500 per night. One can also get in touch with the Assam tourism office to book one of the tourist guesthouses. The Monastries also offer guesthouse facilities.Best time to visit Majuli :
Best time to visit Majuli island is between October to April. The best chances of observing chanting, dances or drama recitation are during the Ras Mahotsav Festival (October/November). Bihu, Ali Ai Lrigang, End of the winter Paal naam, Doulutsav, Ras Mahotsav etc. are the best festival time to visit Majuli. To enjoy Majuli to the fullest, do make sure you time your trip according to preference for festivals and seasons. Majuli always welcomes us.