River Magic :: Mystic Majul

To celebrate the uniqueness of the demographic, cultural and natural features of Majuli, "Everything Outdoor" has taken the initiative in assosciation with Eventours Travels LLP to organise a festival christened as "River Magic" from 22nd March to 24th March, 2019. This festival is aimed at bringing alive the rich tradition through music, food and festivity. Anyone wanting to experience the rich tradition of the state first hand, will experience a plentiful in this two day event. Welcome to Majuli, welcome to River Magic.  

ABOUT MAJULI ISLAND:

“Majuli”, the world’s largest riverine island situated in the heart of Assam, India, is a landmass extending up to an area of 352 square kilometers, surrounded by the river Brahmaputra in the south and rivers Kherkutia Xuti and Subansiri in the north, both of which are the sub-branches of the mighty Brahmaputra river. The formation of this riverine island took place more than 300 years ago. A massive catastrophic earthquake which struck the state in the 1750s forced the river Brahmaputra to cause excessive flooding which changed the course of the river to flow towards south and thus giving rise to heavy sedimentation which in turn brought Majuli into existence. About 22 small islets called “Chaporis” are scattered all over the island. 

Majuli has been the abode of the Neo-Vaishnavite sect of Hinduism embodied by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva who pioneered this new branch of monotheist religion in the 15th century and constructed many satras (monasteries) in Majuli making it an important seat of Vaishnavism teachings. The first satra constructed in Majuli was and which still survive is the “Manikanchan Sanjog”. Surprisingly, Majuli being the epitome of Neo Vaishnavite renaissance, it is still home to various ethnic tribal groups comprising of Deoris, Mising, Sonowal Kacharis, and Ahoms. Mising being the dominant tribal group here, each of the groups stays here in harmony preaching their own culture and tradition but Hinduism is a major religion followed here. 

Majuli is also well known for the art of mask making.The mask making culture is a visual treat for whoever pays a visit to this island to see this unusual, interesting and very vibrant, colorful display of colors. The art of mask making has its origin in satras started by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva, but now the craft is prevalent only to the devotees of Chamoguri satra in Majuli where the art is still practiced. 

Sadly though, every year, the mighty Brahmaputra engulfs a huge chunk of the beautiful island due to over flooding brought in by the river Brahmaputra. A massive part of the island is being eaten away by floods every year due to heavy rains washing away lives and homes along with the river. 

Majuli has long been the pride of the state of Assam as well as for the country which garnered a lot of name and fame after it got itself registered in the Guinness Book of world records for being the world’s largest freshwater riverine island. In recent years, flash floods have played catastrophic havoc in the lives of the local residents who have been displaced from their homes or are at the mercy of donations and reliefs brought in by NGOs and the state government. The future of Majuli Island remains so bleak that people will be forced to read some its unheard and interesting facts only from blogs and articles rather than see for themselves the beauty of the nation’s pride.