Welcome • |
About
Us • |
The International Writers Magazine: India
• Sean Lee
As a passionate traveler willing to explore the least charted corners of the world, you could head for Assam’s Majuli (India) this year.
The largest riverine island in the world--Majuli-- rests on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Emblematic of unparalleled beauty and relaxed vibe, this island, stretching 452 square kilometers offers a unique combination of water meadows brimming with flowers and rice fields. Besides its picturesque beauty, the island derives its religious significance by being the seat of Vaishnavite culture and faith. In fact learning about the neo-Vaishnavite values at one of the islands 22 satras remains an important part of a touring experience here. Let us learn more about this traveling gem.
Majuli
Before stepping foot on this Assamese wonder, make sure that you are aware of the fact that it continues to grapple with the primal forces of Nature—whereby half of the island remains submerged during the monsoons.
Expect to be immersed by the infallibly rustic charm of the place, duly bolstered by the warmth of the local villagers. In fact, your experience at Majuli remains incomplete without taking a walk through its villages and consuming the warmth exuded by the locals.
Attractions
The main villages are Garamur and Kamalabari. Kamalabari is situated around 3 kilometers from the ferry port, while Garamur is positioned further north at round 5 kilometers. Auniati and Uttar Kamalabari are two notable sataras of Majuli. At Auniati, expect the monks to show you around their museum bearing beautiful artifacts (Ahom royal).
If you are visiting during the Ras Mahotsav festival, then you can explore the chances of viewing the dance, drama, chanting and more.
Mid-November, is an ideal time to hit this place as you get to be a part of the legendary Rasleela festival, celebrating the love between Radha and Krishna and the devotion of the Gopis for Krishna. Other notable festivals include Bathow Puja (worship of Lord Shiva), Ali-ai-ligang (held during the period between February to March and marks the beginning of sowing paddy) and Paal Naam, one of the chief attractions of autumn.
Plus, birdwatchers have more than a reason to rejoice since the island makes for the home of around a hundred species of birds.
Hotels
The hotels found nearby, serve to bolster the “rustic” experience further. So forget about slouching with your laptop to attend a video conference or for sending Christmas ecards for businesses to clients. Rather—sit back and immerse yourself in the unmistakably laid-back ambience.La Maison de Anand (see image) at Garamur exemplifies common Indian rusticity where you have common bathrooms or toilets whereby hot water would be provided to you for bathing, on request. You can choose to take bicycles from this place to explore the rest of Majuli. The place offers several gastronomic delights for non-vegetarians, including chicken bamboo shoot and BBQ fish.
Conclusion
Leave your home with an open mind without really nourishing hopes of beholding unrivaled glitz and glamour from a remote part of North East India. The spirit of Majuli lies in its enviable rusticity, untouched by the clamor of urbanization.
