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Cities
( Majuli )
Majuli,
is famous as the world's biggest river island, nestles in the lap
of the mighty Brahmaputra. Her face uplifted to the limitless frontiers
of the blue sky. Her feet perpetually caressed by the lapping waters
of the holy Brahmaputra, her vision stretched to the distant hills
of the Himalayan and other than the master craftsman who moulded
the universe - God himself. No wonder then that the sublime and
the serene atmosphere of the island - the intimate companionship
of the soul with the elements and the river-provided the backdrop
for the historic " Moni Kanchan Sanjog" between Assam's
pioneer Vaishnavite Saints Shankardeva and his disciple Madhabdeva
in the 15the Century. Ever since that meeting of the great minds
and the subsequent establishment of "Satras" that followed,
Majuli emerged as the crowning glory of Vaishnavite culture in Assam.
Multifaceted in its attractions. Majuli, unfolds a vanity of interest
to the tourist rare migratory birds, traditional handicraft and
pottery; ethnic culture and dance forms; water sports etc.
Places
Of Interest:-
Vaishnava Satras founded by Sandardeva, the father of Assamese culture.
In fifteen century Shankardeva
took shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri
(in west Majuli) which was a place of glory for the historic and
auspicious; Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Mahavdeval.
This was the first "Satra" in Majuli. From "Manikanchan
Sanjog" there had been sixty five "Satras growing up for
propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. But at present
there are only twenty two satras in Majuli. The other had to be
shifted to other safer places due to devastation of flood and erosion.
Among those the main existing satras are :- Dakhinpat Satra, Garamurh
Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra and Samaguri
Satra. These Satra are the treasure house of "Borgeet".
Matiakhara. Jumora dance. Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee,
Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance, Dasavater
Dance etc. which were contributed by Shri Shankardeva.
Dakhinpat
Satra
Dakhinpat Satra was founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela,
which is now observed as one of the State festivals of Assam.
Garamurh
Satra
This Satra was founded by Lakshmikantdeva. During Autumn end traditional
Raasleela is performed with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons
are also preserved here.
Auniati
Satra
Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, this satra is famous for 'Paalnaam'
and Apsara dance and it also has considerable collection of old
Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
Kamalabari
Satra
Kamalabari Satra founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a center of art,
culture, literature and classical studies. Its branch Uttar Kamalabari
Satra has performed cultural programme of satria art in several
states of India and abroad.
Bengenaati
Satra
It is a store house of culturally important antiques and an advanced
center of performing arts. Muraridev, the grand son of Shankaradeva's
step mother, had founded the SSwargadeoatra. The royal robes belong
to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made of Gold and an
umbrella which is also made of gold, are preserved here.
Other
attractions:-
(i) The entire plain tribes also possess a colourful and resourceful
cultural entity.
(ii) Various species of rare migratory birds like Pelican
are found Majuli.
(iii) Festival like ALI-AI-LVIGANG of the Mising tribe is
also celebrated here during the first Wednesday of the month GINMUR
POLO. (February - March)
(iv) The pottery making centre is situated at Upper Majuli.
(v) Many suitable places are there for viewing the full sunset
during winter.
(vi) The PAL NAAM at Auniati Satra is a huge mela, helds at
the end of Autumn.
(viii) Another Festival performed by the Sonowal Kacharis tribe
is "Bathow Puja" where Lord Shiva is workshiped with high
veneration.
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