MAJULI (ASSAM)

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.