Majuli, the largest river island
in the world ( area 880 sq. km.) nestles in the lap of the mighty
Brahmaputra. Multifaceted in its attractions Majuli unfolds a variety
of interest to the tourist - rare migratory birds, traditional handicrafts
and pottery, ethnic culture and dance forms, water sports etc. UNESCO
is considering Majuli as a World Heritage Site
Tourist flock to this river island to have a look at the Vaishnava
Satras founded by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese
culture, during the late 15th century. In the 15th century Srimanta
Sankardeva took shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of months
at Beloguri(West Majuli), which was a place of glory for the historic
and auspicious and famed "Manikanchan Sanjog" satra.
This was the first satra in Majuli.
From"Manikanchan sanjog "there had been sixty five satras
growing up for propagation of ethics and socio- culturals 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
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Dakhinpat satra: famous
for its "hasipat" scriptures.
Garmur satra: famous for its relics consisting of "bortop"
canons
Auniati satra: a prosperous satra which is famous for
its "paalnaam" and apsara Dance and also a considerable
collection of Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
Kamalabari satra: a center for art, culture, literature
and classical study. It is famous for the satriya dance form.
Begenaati satra: it is a store house for cultural importance
a centre of performing art.
Samaguri satra: is famous for Mask-craft in India.
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These satras are the treasure houses of "Borgeet",
Matiakhara, Jumora dance, chali dance, notua dance, nande vringee,
sutradhar, ozapali, apsara dance, satriya krishna dance, dasavater
dance etc. which were contributed by Srimanta Sankaradeva.
The most remarkable feature of Majuli, apart from the aura of
spiritualism is a total pollution free environment.
Another interesting feature of the island is the lifestyle of
the Mishing tribe - the original people of Assam that resided
in mainland Assam before the advent of the Ahoms in the 13th century
AD.