Majuli is the largest river island in the world located on the Brahmaputra River near Jorhat in Assam. The island is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti and the Subansiri River in the north.
It is the first island to be made a district in India in 2016 and has an area of 1,255 square kilometers (485 sq mi) but lost significant area due to erosion. The island is reachable by ferry from Jorhat and about 250 km from Guwahati.
The Majuli island is one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations in India boasting natural beauty and vibrant culture. It has been on the UNESCO Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage Site since 2004.
Cultural Heritage in Majuli
The island is a hub of neo-Vaishnavite culture with numerous Satras (monasteries) established by the saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva during the 15th century. The island is inhabited by the Mising, Deori and Sonowal Kachri tribes.
Many of the Satras built by Sankardeva still stand, reflecting the vibrant Assamese culture and have preserved the essence of Assamese art, dance, music, and literature for generations.
Some of the main surviving Satras are Dakhinpat Satra, Garamur Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Shamaguri Satra etc.
Read More: 12 Best Tourist Attractions in Assam
Festivals in Majuli
Majuli celebrates various colourful traditional festivals like the Raas Mahotsav and Ali-Ai-Ligang throughout the year. The three-day-long Raas Mahotsav festival, portraying Lord Krishna’s life is celebrated by everyone on the island.
The Ali Aye Ligang festival is celebrated in mid-February for five days. The festival starts on the second Wednesday and ends on the first Wednesday of the Falgun month. Local dishes like purang apin (packed boiled rice), apong (rice beer), and various pork, fish, and chicken dishes are served.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Majuli is between November and March, during the winter season. Tourists can also witness the Raas Festival of Lord Krishna in November.
During the summers, from March to June, the weather remains very hot and humid, so it is advisable to avoid visiting Majuli during this time.
How to Reach
To reach Majuli island, one has to reach Jorhat first. There are regular flights from Guwahati to Jorhat Airport, also known as Rowriah Airport.
From Jorhat, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Neemati Ghat located 14 km from Jorhat. There are ferry services from Neemati Ghat to reach Majuli.
