Mājuli or Majoli, which means, land between two parallel rivers, is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India. It had an area of 880 square kilometres at the beginning of the 20th century, but significantly to soil erosion left it with 352 square kilometres as at 2014. Majuli was the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past 500 years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance.
Majuli is the world’s largest river island with #Marajo in Brazil being the 2nd largest river island. In 15th century. After 1st Satra was founded in Majuli, total 65 Satras come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. However, currently only twenty-two Satras in Majuli. The others have been shifted to safer places due to the devastation of flood and soil erosion. Satra are institutional centers associated with the Ekasarana tradition of #Vaishnavism, largely found in Assam.
The island was created due to an extreme flood, which occurred around 1750, which seems to have diverted part of the flow of the Brahmaputra through the channel of the Dihing about 190 km upstream of its confluence, after the two rivers joined, the intervening land area formed was called the Majuli. The nearest major city is Jorhat and Majuli to Jorhat by road distance is roughly 45 kms. Ferries and boats are the only choice for reaching the island, and they only run during daylight hours.
Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, a pristine and pollution-free freshwater island. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Majuli is a contender for a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Mostly inhabited by Tribals, the culture of Majuli is unique and quite interesting and is one of the key reasons why people love this place so much. Rasotsava, a prime festival of Assam, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion here.
The best time to visit Majuli is throughout thew year except the monsoon. There are numerous places worth visiting in Majuli, these include Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Garmur, Tengapania, Benegenaati Satra ,and Auniati Satra. #Tourist can cycle around the island to get a taste of the lush green environment.Numerous festivals are held including dance, music, art and singing on the island to celebrate the Assamese culture. People n the island are mostly involved in fishing, pottery, bamboo art, mask, and other handicraft that tourist can buy as souvenirs. There are only homestay options available for tourist to stay in the island.
