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.