Majuli Island, a hidden jewel of Assam is not known many
people. It is the world’s largest river island and is located in the Brahmaputra
River and is considered as the cultural capital of Assam from the early times
of 16th century.
We decided to visit this place in the month of May, which
is not an appropriate time because it is the commencement of monsoon season at
this place. Due to this reason the Kaziranga National Park was shut but we
could spot some rhinos and deer from the National Highway 37 that passes
through this park. We had not much knowledge about Majuli and were very eager
to explore the place.
Attractions and Things
to Do
As we had not much knowledge of the place, at first we
were quite satisfied with relaxing in the pleasant atmosphere of Majuli and
riding on our hired bikes along the sandy dirt roads, which had green paddy
fields on the either side. But after speaking to some natives of the place we
came to know that Majuli has 22 Satras or Hindu Monasteries that are dedicated
to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Among the 22 Satras, Auniati and Uttar Kamlabari
are the renowned ones.
Due to the annual floods and constant land erosion, the
present day Majuli is only a fraction of its original size that stretched over
an area of about 1,256 sq. km. This has prompted to shift many of the Sattras
to shift their base to Assam’s mainland.
Fishing is another popular activity of this place.
Located at a distance of about 2km before Naminighat, one can stop at Green
View Resort, to catch some dish from a hole in the floor. Majuli is also
popular as a bird watcher’s paradise, as it is home to several native and
migratory species of birds like pelican, greater adjutant stork and the
whistling teal.
A general walk through the villages of Majuli can be
quite interesting as to experience the hospitality of the local people and
their simple way of living. These people are mainly dependant on fishing,
agriculture and weaving. Some of the other major activities of the native
people worth admiring are pottery, dairy farming, boat making and handloom. The
weaving is especially outstanding of this place, as the natives make use of a
whole range of colors in cotton and silk, which are found only in Assam.
The place is also famous for holding festivals like Raseela,
Ali-ai-ligang, Bathow Puja and Paal Naam. Among these Ali-ai-ligang is the most
prominent one as it is celebrated by the Mishing tribe, especially with the
commencement of the Ahu paddy cultivation. The festival is celebrated between
the months of February or March and is organized to thank Mother Nature for the
production of ahu paddy.
Getting to the island is quite easy but getting on and
off of the island can be bit of a problem. The locals of this island hardly
speak English or Hindi, so you may have trouble in communicating with them. The
population of Majuli mainly comprises of tribal people. Several ferries are
available from Naminighat to different ghats on Majuli.
It is very essential to
catch the right ferry. Due to the communication problem, we rode on a wrong
ferry and then had to ride an additional distance of 20 odd km to Gramaur. In
order to reach Lakhimpur, we got off on the northern bank and then from there
we had to cross two rivers. The first river was a smaller one than the next,
which had to be crossed by a smaller boat.
Climate
As Majuli is a subtropical island, it experiences humid
climate all around the year. The humidity of this place is at its highest
during the summer months of March, April and May. The place also experiences
heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from May to October. During winters
the place experiences pleasant climate with the temperature ranging from 10 to
15 degree Celsius, from November to February.
Food
Garamur in the island is dotted with a number of snack
shops that offer regular dal rice, chowmein etc. If you are staying at la Maison De Ananda,
the caretaker will provide you a local Mishing Thali which is the staple food
of the Mishing tribe who migrated to this island from Arunachal Pradesh. This
thali includes rice, fried fish slices, fish curry, whole fired fish, fish
pickle and vegetable. After taking the food, do not forget to try some local
Chang or rice wine.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the island is from October to
March.
How to Reach
By Road and Boat: The Island is about 12 km north of
Jorhat, which is about 310 km towards east from Guwahati city. The island can
be reached through ferry from Namini ghat, which is about 12 km ride from
Jorhat. The ferry rides from this ghat will take you to Kamlabari Ghat on
Majuli. Kamlabari ghat is another 8-10 km away from Garamur, the main village
on the island. Buses are available from the ferry drop to Garamur.
By Air: The nearest airport to this island is Rowriah airport in Jorhat. It
operates regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to this island is in Jorhat and is well
connected with Guwahati by rail.
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