Majuli

Majuli- the Vaishnavite stronghold, home to 22 satras and the principal seat of Vaishnavite faith, culture and practice. Majuli stakes its geographical claim as the largest river island in the world. The Sattras are Vaishnava monasteries established in the 16th century by the saint and cultural reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva and his disciple IVIadhab Deva. The Satra hub, Majuli, is situated 340 km east of Guwahati. This erosion-threatened island still has some 22 of the oldest` Satras, where spiritualism is blended with cultural extravaganza. Due to river bank erosion many of these sattras have shifted base to Assam's mainland. In sixteenth century Shankaradeva took shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Belguri in West Majuli which was a place of glory for the historic and auspicious,Manikanchan Sanjog' between Sankardev and Madhavdeva. There had been sixty five "Satras" growing up for propagation of ethics and socio¬cultural. 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 (a) Dakhinpat Satra, (b) Garamurh Satra, (c) Auniati Satra, (d) Kamalabari Satra (e) Benegenaati Satra (f) Samaguri Satra. These Satras are the treasure house of "Bongeet" Matiakhara, jumora dance, Chali dance, Motua dance, Nande Bringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara dance, Satria Krishna dance, Dasavater dance etc. which were contributed by shri Sankaradeva. Multifaceted in its attractions. Majull unfolds a variety of interest to the tourist-rare migratory birds; pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports etc. How to go Majuli can be reached by three main route-Jorhat Nimatighat from Jorhat. Dhokuakhana from Dhemaji and Luit¬Khabolughat from North Lakhimpur, Besides these, there are many ghats with single machine boat from both banks of the Brahmaputra. What to see : Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture. (a) Dakhinpat Satra : Dakhinpat Satra was founded by Banarnalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. (b) Garamurh Satra : This "Satra" was founded by Lakhsmikantadeva. During Autumn ending traditional Raasleela is shown with great enthusiasm, Some ancient weapons called " Bartop" are preserved here. (c) Auniati Satra : Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva the Satra is famous for "Paalnam" and Apsara Dance also its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, Jewellerry and handicrafts. (d) Kamalabari Satra : Kamalabari Satra founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies its branch uttar Kamalabari satra has performed cultural programme of Satria Art in several states of India and abroad. (e) Bengenaati Satra : It is a store house of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art, Muraridev, the grand son of Sankardeva's step mother has founded the Satra. The royal robes belong to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadha Singha, made of gold are preserved here. (f) Shamaguri Satra : The Satra is resourced with famous Mask-crafts in India. OTHER ATTRACTIONS The entire plain tribes also possess a colourful and resourceful cultural entity. Various species of rare migratory birds like Pelican, Siberian Crane, Adjutant Stork are found in Majuli. Festival like Ali-ai-lvigang of the Mising tribe is also celebrated here during the first Wednesday of the month February-March. The pottery making centre is situated at Upper Majuli. Many suitable places are there for viewing the full sunset during winter. The paal naam at Auniati Satra is a huge mela, helds at the end of Autumn. Another festival performed by the Sonowal Kacharis tribe is "Bathow Puja" , where Lord Shiva, is workshiped with high veneration. Where to stay : Alohee Ghar Kakoti Guest House, Ph.9435203418 Kamalabari Satra Guest House,Ph.03775-273302 La Maison De Ananda, Ph.5597186356 Seuj Ville,Ph.9435734138 Circuit house at Garamurh, Head Quarter of Majuli Contact: SDO (Civil) Majuli,Ply 03775-274424 Majuli eco-tourism Lodge Nearest airport: Rowriah (Jorhat) Railway Station: Jorhat Police Station: Garamukh P.S., Ph. No. 435, Kamalabari P.S., Ph. No. 430