Majuli Festival: Assam cultural festival celebrated on Majuli Island

Majuli Festival: Majuli is the largest river island in the world and is situated in the Brahmaputra river in Assam, India. Its spans about 1,250 square kilometers but is gradually losing its terrain due to soil erosion and now only has an area of 421.65 square kilometers. Majuli is shrinking further as the vast Brahmaputra keeps getting bigger.

The island is formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti river (a branch of the Brahmaputra), joined by the Subansiri River in the north. The island is about 200 kilometers east from the state s largest city, Guwahati. Majuli is enveloped in lush greenery and the flora, fauna and the natural scenery found there is breathtaking.

Various communities of people like Mishings, Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Mataks, Ahoms and other Nepali Communities thrive together in this eclectic place. Majuli boasts of this array of ethnic communities, which has significantly contributed to its vibrant cultural heritage. Majuli can also proudly boast about it clear skies, serene atmosphere and lush surroundings.

The Majuli Festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated on Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. This festival is typically held in November and is a vibrant showcase of the island’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and natural beauty.

Key Highlights of the Majuli Festival:

Cultural Performances: The festival features traditional music, dance, and drama performances by local artists. The Sattriya dance, a classical dance form of Assam, is a significant highlight, reflecting the island’s deep connection to Vaishnavite culture.

Exhibitions: Handicrafts, traditional art forms, and local products are exhibited, providing insight into the unique culture and lifestyle of the indigenous communities of Majuli, such as the Mishing, Deori, and Sonowal Kacharis.

Boat Races: The festival also includes traditional boat races in the Brahmaputra River, which is a thrilling event and a significant attraction for visitors.

Workshops and Seminars: Various workshops and seminars on the conservation of Majuli’s unique ecosystem, its cultural heritage, and sustainable development practices are organized during the festival.

Eco-Tourism: Majuli is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and eco-friendly tourism practices. The festival promotes eco-tourism, encouraging visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty.

The Majuli Festival is not just a celebration but also an effort to preserve and promote the unique culture, traditions, and natural environment of Majuli Island. It draws tourists from across India and the world, making it a significant cultural event in Assam.

Majuli Festival of Assam:

Assam, the land of composite culture celebrates a chain of festivals throughout the year. The Majuli festival is one of the most popular festival and is celebrated on the picturesque banks of the river Luit situated 1.5 kilometers from Garamur, the sub divisional head quarter of the island. It is celebrated during the month of November keeping in mind the climatic conditions of the region. The celebration takes place for 4 continuous days.

The Majuli festival is a enlightening celebration where various the cultural aspects of the different communities living there are revealed and honored. This is the one place where the artists of such different communities gather to celebrate their unity amongst this diverse gathering. On this day, they put aside their differences and hardships in their life, share their love for music, dance, arts, crafts and food. Elaborate events are organized on this day and people from these various tribes living in India and all over the world congregate to celebrate their heritage and culture.

Events held during the Majuli Festival:

There is a huge variety of option in each category and there are numerous cultural troupes that perform based on them.

• Music – Borgeet, Biyanaam, Nisukoni geet, Gorokhiya Naam, Bongeet, Bihu songs like; Bihugeet , Husori, Regional folk music like; Kamrupi Lokageet, Goalpariya Lokageet, Ojapali, Tokari geet, Deh Bisaror Geet, Baramahi geet, Malita, Ethnic folk songs like; Jhumur, Bharigaan and Bhakthi music like; Zikir and Zri, Ainaam, Dihanaam, Hiranaam
• Dance – Bhortal Dance, Bagurumba, Deori Bihu and the Mising Bihu dance
• Arts & Crafts – Handmade Masks, Handlooms, Wood carvings, Bamboo & Cane works, Pottery.
• Culinary Delights / Food Fests– Traditional and tribal foods are kept to be sampled. Other cultural activities: Mati Akhora, Hasta Sadhana, Dhemalis, Raag – Ragini, Kantha Sadhana.
• Seminars – To discuss different topics and an effort to address local issues.

How the Majuli Festival is Celebrated:

Cultural Showcases:

• Traditional Dance and Music: The festival is marked by performances of traditional dance forms, especially the Sattriya dance, a classical dance of Assam that originated in the monasteries of Majuli. Folk dances like Bihu, Bhortal, and others are also performed, accompanied by traditional Assamese music.
• Dramatic Performances: The island’s rich tradition of theater, particularly the Ankia Naat (one-act plays) and Bhaona (traditional Vaishnavite dramas), are performed by local artists. These performances often depict stories from Hindu epics and are a key highlight of the festival.

Craft Exhibitions:

• Handicrafts and Weaving: The festival includes exhibitions where local artisans showcase their skills in pottery, mask-making, and weaving. The island’s traditional handloom products, such as Mishing shawls and textiles, are on display and for sale.
• Traditional Masks: Majuli is famous for its unique mask-making tradition, especially the colorful masks used in Bhaona performances. These masks are displayed and also demonstrated to visitors.

Boat Races:

• Cultural Boat Races: Held on the Brahmaputra River, traditional boat races are a thrilling part of the festival. Long, narrow boats are rowed by teams of men, and these races are accompanied by much fanfare and cheering from the spectators.

Religious and Spiritual Activities:

• Monastery Visits: The festival often includes visits to the island’s numerous Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), where visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere and learn about the religious practices of the island.
• Prayer Ceremonies: Special prayers and rituals are conducted during the festival to invoke blessings for the well-being of the community and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Nature and Eco-Tourism:

• Exploring the Island: Visitors are encouraged to explore the natural beauty of Majuli, including its wetlands, forests, and agricultural fields. The festival promotes eco-tourism, highlighting the importance of preserving Majuli’s fragile ecosystem.
• Bird Watching: Majuli is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the festival when migratory birds can be seen in the wetlands.

Workshops and Seminars:

• Cultural Workshops: Workshops on traditional art forms, crafts, and dance are conducted, allowing visitors to learn and engage with the local culture.
• Seminars on Conservation: Discussions on environmental conservation, sustainable development, and the preservation of Majuli’s cultural heritage are held during the festival.

The Majuli Festival is a time when the entire island comes alive with color, music, and joy. It serves as a vital platform for preserving and promoting the unique traditions and culture of Majuli while fostering a sense of community and pride among the island’s residents.