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Majuli, perhaps the largest riverine island in the world, 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 streched to the
distant hills of the Himalayan and other ranges, Majuli is a creation
of none 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 desciple Madhabdeva in the 15th 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, unforlds a vanety of interest
to the tourist-rare migratory birds; traditional handicrafts and
pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports etc. Location
: The island is situated in the North latitude of 26 0 45-27 0 12
and in the East Longitude of 93 0 39 - 94 0 35.
Area and Population : According to the report of
Mr. J. H. Mills in 1853 the total area of Majuli was 2,82,165 acres.
But due to strong erosion of the river Brahmaputra it has been gradually
decreasing and the present area is less than 880 sq.kms.
From a historical source, in 1901 the population of the island was
35,000. As per 1991 sensus the population of Majuli is 1,35,378.
On the North bank the river "Subansiri" and on the South bank the
river Brahmaputra has separated the island from the main land. While
Lakhimpur is on the North, and Golaghat is to its South-West Sibsagar
is on the South-East and Jorhat is to the South of Majuli. On the
extreme East is Dibrugarh District.
The
main tribes living on Majuli are the Misings, the Deoris and
Sonowal Kacharis. Population Density : 300 Nos. of Village : 243 Nos. of Satras : 22 Language dialet : Assamese, Mishing, Deori Climate : Coolest months are from November to February
when the average temperature is 27 0 c.
Hotest time March to June 34 0c.
How to go : Majuli can be reached by three main routes 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.
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 Madhavdeva. 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 (a) Dakhinpat Satra, (b) Garamurh
Satra, (c) Auniati Satra, (d) Kamalabari Satra, (e) Bengenaati Satra and (f)
Samaguri Satra. These Satras are the treasure house of "Bongeet" 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 National
Festivals of Assam.
Garamurh Satra : This "Satra" was founded
by Lakshmikantadeva. During Autumn ending traditional RAASLEELA (co-acting)
is shown with great enthusiasm, Some ancient wapones called "Bartop" (canons)
are preserved here.
Auniati Satra : Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva the
Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dance and also
its considerable collection of Assamese old utencils, Jewellery and
handicrafts.
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.
Benegenaati Satra : It is a store house of antiques
of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev,
the grand son of Sankaradeva's step mother has founded the Satra. The
royal robes belong to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, made
of gold and an umbrella which is also made of gold are preserved here.
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 Majui.
Festival like ALI-AI-LVIGANG of the Mising tribe is also celebrated here during
the first Wednesday of the month GINMUR POLO. (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.
