Welcome To Majuli - Largest River Island

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.

About Majuli

Majuli or Majoli is a river island in the Brahmaputra river, in the Indian state of Assam. Majuli is often erroneously cited as the largest river island in the world by the Indian media, but in fact it is merely the largest freshwater island in South Asia. Majuli occupies an area of about 577 km², having lost significant area due to erosion. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city — Guwahati, and is accessible by ferries from the town of Jorhat. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Majoli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture. Culture  Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. Pottery is made in Majuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient Harrappan Civilisation. Sociologists have stressed on the preservation of these unique peoples, whose culture and dance forms are untouched by modernism. The handloom work of these tribes is also internationally famous. Virtually every single person on the island is involved in the three-day long ras festival, depicting the life of Krishna. People from thousands of kilometres way come to celebrate this festival including a number of expatriate members of the community. The satras have also honed certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samugri satra for example, one can still find the craft of mask-making; and in the Kamlabari satra the finest boats are made Lord Krishna is supposed to have played with his consorts here. Though thousands of miles distant from Vrindavan, one only has to visit Majuli during the Ras-purnima in the month of Kartik to experience this. Virtually every single person on the island is involved in the three-day long ras festival, depicting the life of Krishna. Every village hosts its own, and people who have left Majuli return to take part in the song, dance, theatre and merriment. And the language that is used is Brajavali, the tongue of Mathura. In this modern electronic age, the notion of entertainment on essentially religious-spiritual form seems strange, and antiquated. Perhaps such performances might attract a curious few in other places, but in Majuli, the days of bhawna and ras are special, with thousands touring out all over the island to watch and experience. Even when the ras is not there, one can look out at the green expanses, and the cattle grazing, listen to the song of the birds and the flute of the shepherd, and for a moment get carried back in time. Although the origins of Majuli may be uncertain, it is known for a fact that the social reformer Sankardeva visited the island in the early sixteenth century. Sankardeva propagated a form of Vaishnavism that was simpler and more accessible than the ritualistic Hinduism of the time. His approach was rooted in faith and prayer, and stressed on the cultural aspects of life and living. There was no idol worship or sacrifices - instead, he developed the dance-drama forms of the bhawna and ankiya-nat, theatrical depictions of the triumph of good over evil, using as material, the Bhagawat, which he himself had written. Sankardeva had spent ten years as a mendicant itinerant traveller, visiting all the great pilgrimage sites in the country, to learn from them. Perhaps it is because of this that people from all over are able to relate to it. Sankardeva established satras or monasteries on Majuli, to nurture and propagate his philosophy and practice of life. In its heyday, there were sixty-five satras, each with lakhs of bhakats or disciples and several thousand followers all over the state. Even today some retain this position. The Satra at Auniati, for instance, has even today a hundred and twenty five disciples, and over seven hundred thousand followers. The satras take in young boys and groom them. The daily routine includes working in the fields, tending cattle, prayer, discussion and study. The satras have also nurtured certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samuguri satra for instance, one can still find the craft of mask making; Kamalabari satra still makes the finest boats. This cultural ambience is not confined to the satras alone. Every village on the island, whether tribal or non-tribal, has assimilated these traditions in daily life. The central point of all villages is the namghar; where periodically people gather to sing and pray. It is more than a temple - it is a sacrosanct meeting place as well. Usually after the sessions of reading and discussion, the members will get together to decide on matters concerning the village - how much to auction the fishing rights for, what to do with the money that is raised, and many other issues of importance to the community. In this day of individualism, Majuli still preserves the notion of the community. Among the majority Mishing community, who migrated from the Arunachal hills many generations ago, traditions of ali-ay-ligang (the harvest festival) are still preserved, and different ethnicity have been living together peacefully for generations. Pottery in Majuli is probably the single most important heritage of all. The potter’s wheel has not found its way till date. Pots are made with hand from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns. Only the womenfolk in the village labour to shape the pots with hand. Finished pots are ferried up and down stream on country boats for barter trade. Archeologists opine this to be a missing link between Mohenjodaro & Harappan civilization. Elsewhere in the world potter’s wheel reigns supreme; but Majuli still retains its link with the long dead past. Thus Majuli is a living archeological museum in its own right. Tourist information:   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. Tourist offices Assam Tourism Emporia Complex (above Assam Emporium) New Delhi-110 011 Tel: 011-334 5897

Contact inof

Guwahati : Asom (India)       Contact Person : Debasish Datta : 91-9678536524