Majuli: Beautiful Island in the Brahmaputra River

Majuli or Majoli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam. In 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India. It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The island is rich with flora and rare species of fauna. Migratory birds are seen here every winter. Majuli is a great holiday destination because of its ambience and will make the best memory of your life!

Brief History

• Originally, the island was a long, narrow piece of land called Majoli that had the Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhiding flowing in the south until they met at Lakhu.
• In 1661-1696, frequent earthquakes led to continuous destructive floods for 15 days in 1750 because of which part of the Brahmaputra discharged southward into the Burhiding’s lower channel and Mājuli island was formed.
• From the 16th century, Majuli has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilization, according to the written record.

How to reach Majuli?

• Jorhat serves as the nearest place for reaching Majuli.
• The railway station of Jorhat is accessible for Majuli. As Majuli doesn’t have Railways.
• Majuli doesn’t have an airport, therefore Jorhat airport is preferred by visitors.
• Jorhat also has ample bus services for Majuli. From the bus stands you will easily find buses for different cities.
• Majuli as an island is surrounded by water from all sides. Therefore, it can be reached by waterways. Boats and ships are available to reach here.

When to visit Majuli?

• Summer will not be the right season for visiting here as the temperature rises very much due to which you will not be able to enjoy.
• Monsoons may prove good, with rainfall the environment becomes green and clean but it can lead to humidity.
• Winter will be the best season to visit. The temperature cools out and views become magnificent.

Official Language

• The locals speak in Assamese and Mising language mainly.
• A few speak in the Deori language as well.

Weather

• Summer Season: March to June
• Average Temperature: May reach up to 34^oC

• Monsoon Season: July to September
• Average Temperature: Ranges from 20^o C

• Winter Season: December to February
• Average Temperature: 7^o C – 18^o C

Fairs & Festivals in Majuli

Ali Aye Ligang

The festival of Ali Aye Ligang is also called Ali Ai Ligang. It is celebrated for five days starting from the second Wednesday of February till the next week during mid-February with great pomp and show. Traditional Mising dance Gumrag Soman is performed on folk songs like “oi: nitom” in every village worshipping the almighty Donyi polo (mother sun and father moon) asking for a good year of harvest. Cymbal, gungang, sifung, gong, and drums like instruments are used for dance and music. Local dishes like purang apin (rice wrapped in special leaves), apong (rice beer), and dishes made of pork, fish, and chickens are prepared in this festival.

Christmas

In the Mising tribe, there are a majority of Christians and therefore Christmas is celebrated by them in upper Majuli. Jengraimukh village is the epicentre of Christians. For the past 500 years, Majuli is the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization. There are also several small festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.

Raas Festival

It’s a three-day festival on Kartik Purnima, portraying the life of Krishna. People from hundreds of kilometres away come to celebrate this festival, including a number of expatriate members of the community. Drama, Dance, Music everything is enjoyed during this festival. Colourful Masks are worn by artists in drama for depicting mythological characters. The ambience of the festival is enjoyed by all age groups.

Transportation/Stay to prefer

Majuli being a beautiful holiday destination is always packed with tourists from all over the world. All kinds of accommodation are available starting from costly to low-priced. According to your preferences and comfort. Below are a variety of options.

Homestays

La Maison De Ananda, Jyoti Home, and Subansiri Homes are some great options to stay. The location of these homes is surrounded by natural beauty. Accommodation is available at a reasonable rate. The rooms are clean and comfortable. These are the perfect accommodation for family and couple.

Hotels

Hotels are also one of the good to consider. There are numerous hotels available here for all types of budgets. Some of them are Hotel Jora Palace, Hotel Grand Palace, Hotel Sky Star, Hotel Gulmohar Grand, and Hotel Jironi, etc. The rooms are moderate and spacious with an ideal balcony perfect for lounging.

Satras

Satras are a great place if you want to discover the culture of Majuli. You can find many devotees staying here and also have interaction with monks. Accommodation is available at a low rate. Uttar Kmalabari Satra, Chamaguri Satra are the most preffered satras by the visitors.

Resorts

Resorts are a great place for accommodation but demand a high budget. Okeiga Homes, Dekasang Resort, Enchanting Majuli Resort, and Maheshwar Land are the top resorts. From all the angles all facilities provided here are the best. The infrastructure of the resorts shows the culture and ancient art. Rooms are luxurious, offering a delightful view.

There is no as such local transport available here. Every household has its own boat because of the yearly flood. You can ask any household for a boat ride. You can also join a fisherman or access the boat services available. Apart from that you can hire bicycles or can ship in your own vehicle for exploring the island.

Places to visit in Majuli

Satras in Majuli

65 Satras were set up in the past but today only 22 of the original Satras are operational. The main surviving Satras are- Dakhinpat Satra, Garamurh Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Narashingha Satra, Benegenaati Satra, Shamaguri Satra and Bihimpur Satra. The Satras are followed by Neo-Vaishnavite and they represent the Assamese culture. Auniati Satra is the biggest Satra on the island. The interior of the Satra has a museum and library. It’s a small museum with a good collection of artefacts and gifts given by various kings, public and British visitors in the past. The books in the library are in Assamese. There are brass bowls and rare manuscripts. Shamaguri Satra is famous for its mask making. These masks are imported all over the country for various dramas and plays. Training is also provided for mask making and Bamboo masks are made for Bhaona dance performances.

Village Pottery Industry

Village Pottery Industry is the oldest industry on Majuli Island. It is located on the southeast bank of the Brahmaputra, near the Salmora area of Majuli Island, also called as clay industry. The industry workers use traditional knowledge and traditional method for manufacturing and generate per family an average livelihood of more than 35,000/- annually. Clay products are produced three times a year. Locally these three products are called “Khep”. “Khep’s” are known as “Aahu Khep”, “Becha Khep” and “Shali Khep”.  The industry covers a wide local market.

Tengapania

Tengapania is located on the banks of Brahmaputra and is bounded by Machkhoa, Disangmukh and Dhakuakhana. It’s a famous picnic spot and tourist major attractions. Tengapania is well Jorhat and Majuli. Simaluguri is the nearest Railway Station. It’s a good place to visit with family for a picnic, as the experience of natural beauty is astonishing. A beautiful river flows next to Tengapania and Ahom style of golden temple is also witnessed here, making it an enjoyable picnic spot. Near Tengapania there are other tourist destinations available like Bangalpukhari, Ganakkuchi Satra, Chetia Gaon, Shamaguri Satra, and the Raja Maidam.

Dubori Toli Beel

Dubori Toli Beel is one of the popular bird-watching places on the island. It is situated 12 km east of Kamalabari, in front of Mekheli Gaon. Bird-watching is a famous activity of this island and here many migratory and residential birds are witnessed. Some of them are Greater Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Kite, Common Crane, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Francolins birds, Drater, Purple and Gray Herons, etc. The beautiful sunset near the banks of Brahmaputra is worth watching. Other bird-watching sites are Rambolia Beel, Daukpara Beel, Borbilla Beel, Chakoli Beel, Vereki Beel.

Cuisines to taste in Majuli

Mishing meal

The meal consists of rice, vegetables, fish and meat. In which Porag aapin (rice) is cooked in tora pat (a leaf).

Pamnam fish

In this fish are baked in banana leaf giving unique essence to fish taste. The prices charged for food are nominal.

Pamnam chicken

This chicken is baked in banana leaf. Bamboo pipes are also used sometimes for cooking as it gives a different flavor to the chicken.

Pork cooked in bamboo and mamsing

The ingredients used are all traditional with the traditional methods of cooking so that the tourist can always remember the taste of Majuli culture.

Chutney of dry fish

Fish is the staple food. Non-Vegetarians will love the variety of fish dishes made here.

Local beer

The Local beer is made from rice named Apong and is of two types- Nokjin and Poro. Nokjin is sour in taste and Poro is sweet. Mishing house is the best place for this beer and it’s a must-try thing.

Things to do in Majuli

• Staying in a traditional Bamboo Cottage. Many of the Satras, Resorts and Hotels are made of Bamboo.
• You can attend the mask-making classes provided by the Notun Samaguri Satra.
• Explore the local villages, their lifestyle, culture, and cuisine.
• Enjoy various activities like cycling, birdwatching, camping, and nature walk.
• Buying local handicrafts and traditional clothing.
• Spend a day in various Satras or monasteries.
• Go for water sports or adventurous activities like ferry ride, trekking, mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining, cave exploring, and hand gliding.

Souvenirs to buy in Majuli

• Hand-made Masks of Chamaguri Satra are very popular. Bamboo, clay, and clothes are used in making masks. Kamalabari and Garamur road has state-sponsored shops and many new shops are being made for meeting tourist demand. The masks are also used for decorating the home.
• Bamboo Artefacts are widely found here. Bamboo products like lamps, baskets, bags, vases, and masks, etc. are made herewith hand. The products are very unique with perfect finishing which makes them worth buying.
• Traditional clothing and food items are also good souvenirs to purchase.

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