A once in a life time visit to one of the largest of the Seven Sisters, Assam is a confluence of various cultures and religions in Northeast India will certainly blow you away with its distinct variety of places. Assam can be a treat for your eyes with its wildlife, historical places, tea gardens drawing the maximum number of visitors. The mighty Brahmaputra River passes right through the middle of the state, Tourism in Assam is known for its richness. It is a destination that has attracted tourists from across the country and the world.
Far away from bustling towns, there are unseen parts of Assam waiting to be explored. Nature lovers can experience some of the best wildlife encounters of Assam tourism in the national parks. Enjoy sunrises over lakes and indulge in Assamese cuisine for a memorable experience. The state is replete with history and culture and those who love it can visit places such as Hajo, Rang Ghar and Kareng Ghar. Tourist can have a refreshing walk in the lush green tea plantations that are spread across in various pockets of the state.
For a spiritual rejuvenation, visit the famous Kamakhya Temple. Trip to the world’s largest river island, Majauli is must, when exploring Assam tourism. A trip to rural Assam to know the natives and get to know about their lifestyle up close is the best idea for anyone interested in knowing them. Tourist can spend a day cruising of the Brahmaputra River. Visiting Assam is a sheer enjoyment with its picturesque landscape. Assam shares its border with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and West Bengal; well-connected by rail, road and air, the state is accessible from Bhutan and Bangaldesh also.
Assamese culture is incomplete without its festivals and anyone interested to know about Assam can get a taste of it through it festivals. There are diversified important traditional festivals in Assam. Bihu is the most important and common and celebrated all over Assam. It is the Assamese new year celebrated in April of the Gregorian calendar. Christmas is observed with great merriment by Christians of various denominations, including Catholics and Protestants, throughout Assam. Durga Puja, a festival introduced and popularised by Bengalis, is widely celebrated across the state. Muslims celebrate two Eids (Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) with much eagerness all over Assam.
Bihu is a series of three prominent festivals. Primarily a non-religious festival celebrated to mark the seasons and the significant points of a cultivator’s life over a yearly cycle. Three Bihus, rongali or bohag, celebrated with the coming of spring and the beginning of the sowing season; kongali or kati, the barren bihu when the fields are lush but the barns are empty; and the bhogali or magh, the thanksgiving when the crops have been harvested and the barns are full. Bihu songs and Bihu dance are associated to rongali bihu.
The day before the each bihu is known as ‘uruka’. The first day of ‘rongali bihu’ is called ‘Goru bihu’ (the bihu of the cows), when the cows are taken to the nearby rivers or ponds to be bathed with special care. In recent times the form and nature of celebration has changed with the growth of urban centres. Bwisagu is one of the popular seasonal festivals of the Bodos. Bwisagu start of the new year or age. Baisagu is a Boro word which originated from the word “Baisa” which means year or age. Beshoma is a festival of Deshi peoplezz.a celebration of sowing crop and Bushu Dima or simply Bushu is a major harvest festival of the Dimasa people.
Other few yearly celebrations are Doul Utsav of Barpeta, Brahmaputra Beach Festival, Guwahati, Kaziranga Elephant Festival, Kaziranga and Dehing Patkai Festival, Lekhapani, Karbi Youth Festival of Diphu and International Jatinga Festival, Jatinga can not be forgotten. Few yearly Mela’s like Jonbeel Mela, began in the 15th century by the Ahom Kings, Ambubachi Mela, Guwahati. Assam is known for its cuisine. The two main characteristics of a traditional meal in Assam are khar (an Alkali, named after its main ingredient) and tenga. Assam Is an amalgamation of various cultures and a must visit for anyone interested to know about the state.
