After a memorable tea tour in Assam, we packed our bags to reach Majuli Island. This was a two-day tour, and I was excited, as it was my maiden visit to any river island. Majuli is the largest fresh-water island located in the middle of a mighty river Brahmaputra in Assam. An Assam tour is incomplete without a visit to this wonderful island, which is also the cultural hotspot of the Assamese people. After enjoying our breakfast, it took us around 30 minutes to reach the Nimati Ghat from our resort. From the Ghat, we board on a big ferry around 10 am in between mighty Brahmaputra river. The sight was quite amazing and I feel rejoicing standing in the top of the ferry and feel the cold wind blowing. The 90 min boat ride was itself a joyful experience.
Tribal village and wonderful sunset
After reaching Majuli, it gradually became clear that the island is miles away from the hustle-bustle of Jorhat city and has a serene ambiance that gives calmness to our minds. We checked in at Dekasang resort, to enjoy the traditional village life style. After some rest, we headed to explore the island, at first we visited the Mishing tribes village to catch a glimpse of the village life of the island. We enjoyed sunset at the riverside before heading towards our bamboo hut for a night stay.
Uttar Kamalabari Satra – Cultural Center Stage
Next day early morning I wake up very early and decided to explore the Satras (Neovaishnavite Monestries). My friend Padma from Nexplore Travel also joined me. He become my guide for the entire trip in Majuli. Padma arranged two bicycles for us and at first we visit the Kamalabari Satra.
In Majuli, ashrams are called Satras and Kamalabari Satra is one of the oldest founded in the 15th century. Much of the island’s cultural activities took place in these satras. In other words, it is the seat of literature, classical studies, and art in Majuli. I found the place to be extremely quiet with an aura of spirituality. A humble monk showed us many artifacts and even, we saw a drummer’s performance.
Samaguri Satra – An Abode of Eco-Friendly Mask Making
After that we visited Samaguri Satra another ashram known as mask maker’s satra, which was dedicated to making eco-friendly masks of Hindu mythological figures like Ravana, Hanuman, and more. The artisans were friendly and even ready to enact a small demo performance of a Ram Lila act. There were colorful small and large sized masks in the ashram. You can read more about Samaguri satra here.
Next, we went to visit the Salmora village where for the first time, I enjoyed a hands-on experience of making pots! It seems strange that they do not make pots with the help of a potter’s wheel. Surely, such an art of pottery is a unique heritage of Majuli.
Next morning, with fond memories of the amazing river island, we said goodbye to reach the Nimati Ghat. It was quite disheartening to know that the island is shrinking at a rapid rate due to soil erosion and may vanish in the next 20 years!
Reference: www.majulilandscape.gov.in
Please wait for my next post for details about our Sibsagar Tour. Read my previous post about our tea tour in Assam here.
If you want to know more about Assam and Majuli island read our Discover Assam section and Majuli Travel guide. If you wish to book a package tour for Assam please check our Assam Tour packages or want to hire a taxi for your tour please drop us a mail at support@nexplore.org.
