The island is a bio-diversity hotspot and has rich ecology
with rare breeds of flora and fauna and is a part of a major
migratory path for Ducks, Geese and other birds. The population
contains a wide mix of tribal peoples, including Ahoms and
Kacharis; the Mishing and Deori tribes inhabit upper Majuli.
The Assamese Vaishnavite Culture
Ferries run twice a day from Nimatighat, 12-km north of
Jorhat, to Manjuli, which holds several important Vaishnavite
Sattras. At present there are 22 Sattras on the island,
including those in Garamur and Kamalabari, but one has to
travel a few kilometers out of Kamalabari to see some of
the more interesting ones.
Although the origins of Majuli may be uncertain, it is
known for a fact that the social reformer Sankardeva visited
the island in the early 16th century. Sankardeva propagated
a form of Vaishnavism that was simpler and more accessible
than the ritualistic Hinduism of the time. His approach
was rooted in faith and prayer, and stressed on the cultural
aspects of life and living.
The Namghar
This cultural ambience is not confined to the Sattras
alone. Every village on the island, whether tribal or non-tribal,
has assimilated these traditions in daily life. The central
point of all villages is the Namghar; where periodically
people gather to sing and pray. It is more than a temple
- it is a sacred meeting place as well. Usually after the
sessions of reading and discussion, the members of the Sattras
will get together to decide on matters concerning the village
community.
A Harmonised Living
In this day of individualism, Majuli still preserves the
notion of the community. Among the majority Mishing community,
who migrated from the Arunachal hills many generations ago,
traditions of Ali-Ay-Ligang (the harvest festival) are still
preserved, and different ethnicity have been living together
peacefully for generations.
Pottery -The Art of Primitive Times
Pottery in Majuli is probably the single most important
heritage of all. Pots are made with hand from beaten clay
and burnt in driftwood-fired kilns. Only the womenfolk in
the village labour to shape the pots with hand. Finished
pots are ferried up and down stream on country boats for
barter trade. According to the archeologists this has to
be a missing link between Mohenjodaro & Harappan civilization.
Elsewhere in the world potter's wheel reigns supreme; but
Majuli still retains its link with the long dead past. Thus,
Majuli is a living archeological museum in its own right.
Prime Attraction
The Sattras
The Sattra at Auniati, 4-km west, keeps Royal artifacts
from the Ahom kingdom and has an interesting collection
of Assamese handicrafts and jewellery. While Bengenati,
4-km east built in the early 17th century, has a very friendly
caretaker who is happy to show visitors around Shamaguri.
6-km beyond Bengenati, is a centre for making clay and
bamboo masks - sculptures in their own right - used for
traditional festivals and performances. Other interesting
Sattras can be found at Bongaori, 8-km beyond Shamaguri,
and Dakhinpat 5-km south of that. Majuli has recently been
recommended for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site by the Indian government.
How to Get There
Air:
Majuli's nearest centre is Jorhat which is well connected
by air, with daily flights from Guwahati, and four flights
a week from Calcutta.
Rail:
The nearest railway station is situated at Jorhat.
Road & By Boat:
From Guwahati, Jorhat is a seven-hour bus ride and buses
leave early mornings and at nights. From Jorhat it is only
14-km to Neemati Ghat. There are at least two ferry rides
to Majuli every day, one around 10.00 am, the other around
3.00 pm. exact times can be ascertained from the private
bus stand at Jorhat, from where buses leave for Neemati.
The first ferry ride lasts about an hour - after that transfer
to a bus for a ten-minute bus ride across Major Sapori,
another island en route to Majuli. Then a short ferry ride,
and yet another bus ride to Kamalabari, the main town on
the island. One can also hire a taxi, either from Jorhat
or in Majuli. The taxi can cross over on the ferry.
