Welcome to MAJULI
The Largest River Island
Combination of nature and culture
.
Geographical Overview
- Sadar- Garmur
- District- Majuli
- State- Assam
- Country - India
- Population- 1.5 lac(Approx)
- Area- 352 Sq Km
Administrative Overview
- DC - Kavery Sharma, ACS
- SP - N/A
- MLA- Bhuban Gam(BJP)
- MP- Gaurav Gogoi(INC)
- Lok Sabha Constituency- Jorhat
- Bidhan Sabha Constituency- Majuli
Majuli- The Largest River Island
The world’s largest river island is Majuli. It is in the Indian state of Assam, in the northeast part of the country. The Brahmaputra River flows by it. This beautiful island is full of nature, culture, and energy. Erosion has made it smaller over time. It is now about 352 square kilometers instead of its earlier size of over 1,200 square kilometers. However, its ecological and cultural value is still strong. In 2016, Majuli became the first river island district in India. This shows its importance to the state’s government and culture.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Geographical Overview
- Historical Significance
- Major Satras in Majuli
- Festivals and Art Forms
- Ecological Significance
- Ecological Significance
Geographical Overview
The main Assamese town of Jorhat is about 20 miles away from Majuli. The island is bordered on the north by the Subansiri River and on the south by the Brahmaputra River. It was formed over many years by the flow and flooding of the Brahmaputra, especially after an earthquake in 1750 that changed the river’s path. Today, Majuli is always at danger of losing large parts of its land every year because of riverbank erosion. Still, it has a lively environment and way of life. It is home to around 1.6 lakh people.
Historical Significance
Majuli’s history is closely connected to the Vaishnavite movement and Assamese culture. A saint named Srimanta Sankardeva began this movement in the fifteenth century. He and his follower, Madhavdeva, started the Neo-Vaishnavist movement. This movement focused on social justice, devotion to Lord Krishna, and using the Assamese language in religious practices. As Satras developed, Majuli became the center of this movement. These religious settlements, called satras, play an important role in community life, education, religion, and culture. The teachings and customs of these Satras helped shape Assamese identity, and they still impact the culture of the region today.
There are around 22 active Satras on the island today. More than 60 existed before, but many had to move because of erosion. Each Satra has its own customs, art styles, and spiritual practices. Some of the well-known Satras are given below.
The Satras of Majuli
Auniati Satra
This one is known for its old artifacts and texts, and it keeps the Paal Naam practice of chanting.
Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Uttar Kamalabari Satra is famous for its role in Sattriya dance, music, and storytelling.
Dakhinpat Satra
It is known for Raas Leela festival which shows parts of Lord Krishna’s life through music, dance, and drama.
Chamaguri Satra
This one is known for mask and Mask making art.
Garmur Satra
Uttar Kamalabari Satra is famous for its role in Sattriya dance, music, and storytelling.
Kamalabari Satra
It is known for Raas Leela festival which shows parts of Lord Krishna’s life through music, dance, and drama.
Festivals and Art Forms
Majuli’s festivals are lively celebrations of tribal and Vaishnavite traditions. The most famous one is the Raas Mahotsav, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. It takes place in autumn. During the Raas festival, performers showcase the love stories of Krishna with colorful costumes, music, and dance.
The island is a safe place for handicrafts. This includes making masks, pottery, and weaving. People often learn these skills in the Satras. The items made are used in religious events, everyday life, and for tourists.
Another important celebration is Ali Ai Ligang. This is a spring agricultural festival for the Mishing tribe. It includes dancing, feasting, and planting paddy.
Festivals and Art Forms
Majuli is home to a mix of communities. This includes the Mishing, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari tribes, along with non-tribal Assamese people. This mix adds to the island’s rich culture.
Mishing
Deori
Sonowal Kachari
The Mishing Tribe is the biggest tribal group on the island. The Mishings are famous for their farming, festivals, and weaving skills. They usually live in raised stilt houses known as “Chang Ghar.” They celebrate the Ali Ai Ligang festival with great joy.
Deori and Sonowal Kachari Tribes: These groups also add to Majuli’s lively culture with their special languages, rituals, and traditions.
The mix of tribal and non-tribal traditions has created a special blend of cultural practices. This includes folklore, music, and dance that is only found in Majuli.
Ecological Significance
There are many different kinds of plants and animals in Majuli. You can find various wildlife in the island’s forests, meadows, and wetlands. This area is very important for birds, especially those from Siberia and Central Asia, as they come here to build their nests.
Birds: Majuli is great for birdwatchers. In winter, you often see birds like bar-headed geese, whistling teal, pelicans, and storks.
Aquatic Life: The island also has many beels, which are bodies of water that are home to many fish and other types of life. This is important for the local economy and food.
