Majuli - Majuli Homes Are Made From Bamboo

MAJULI

Majuli is the world’s largest deltaic island. Every monsoon, the roaring Brahmaputra takes great bites out of the island, swallowing many homes. Despite being ravaged by nature, Majuli, India’s first island district, flaunts a vibrant culture and unparalleled scenic beauty. Here are some mesmerising images of this idyllic locale.

Majuli homes are made from bamboo and placed on concrete pillars at a height of about two feet from the ground in order to prevent water from seeping in during the monsoon floods.

The island is home to a mix of communities – the Mishing tribe, the Deoris, the Sonowal Kacharis and the Ahoms. The inhabitants lead simple lives and are always happy to welcome travellers. Mishing tribals, in particular, like to invite visitors into their homes for a bowl of freshly prepared apong or rice beer.

Majuli is carpeted in verdant mats of rice fields interspersed with tiny ponds bursting with hyacinth blossoms. Quiet roads, shaded by bamboo trees, wind their way through the flat terrain. Locals can be seen cycling on these narrow paths, groceries hanging from their handlebars, while fishermen can be seen lugging nets, bulging with fish, from the ponds.

To reach Majuli, you will first have to reach Jorhat. From Jorhat, which is just 20 km from Majuli, you will have to travel on a ferry. The ride itself is a fun experience. Jorhat has its own airport with daily flights from Kolkata and Shillong. Jorhat also has a railway station which is connected to the capital town of Guwahati which is well linked to the major cities of India.

Jorhat is well connected by air, with daily flights from Guwahati, and four flights a week from Calcutta. From Guwahati, Jorhat is a seven-hour bus ride. Buses leave early mornings and at nights.

From Jorhat it is only fourteen kilometers to Neemati Ghat. There are at least two ferry rides to Majuli every day, one around 10 a.m., the other around 3 p.m. Exact times can be ascertained from the private bus stand at Jorhat, from where buses leave for Neemati.

The first ferry ride lasts about an hour - after that transfer to a bus for a ten minute bus ride across Major Sapori, another island en route Majuli. Then a short ferry ride, and yet another bus ride to Kamalabari, the main town on the island. You can also hire a taxi, either from Jorhat or in Majuli. The taxi can cross over on the ferry.

Hajo - It Is An Ancient Pilgrimage Centre For Hindus, Buddhists And Muslims

Hajo - It Is An Ancient Pilgrimage Centre For Hindus, Buddhists And Muslims

The religious village of Hajo is situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. About 30 kilometres away from Guwahati, Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. There are quite a few temples in Hajo and all enjoy the reverence of their devotees. 

Most famous is the Hayagriva Madhava Temple atop the Monikut hill. Hindu as well as Buddhist pilgrims seek solace at this scared stone temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Hayagriva Madhava Temple is also known for its exemplary architecture. Other historically and religiously important temples in Hajo include the Madan Kamdev Temple on Dewangiri hill and the Kedareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hajo can rightly be called the pilgrimage city of Assam. Dotted with a number of Hindu temples, Hajo invites all to taste the flavour of utmost spirituality. Among the famous Hindu shrines in Hajo are Hayagriva Madhab Temple on Manikuta Hill, Kedareshwar Temple and Ganesha Temple. On the other hand Muslims also rever Hajo as a holy place and come here to pay homage at Powa Mecca. 

Buddhists see Hajo as a pious place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana. Hajo or precisely Sarthebari is famous for its bell metal items and when you are there, make sure you buy at least a souvenir. Whether you believe in religion or not, you will love to see this holy destination in Assam, which defnitely has the capability to change your perspective towards spirituality.

Hayagriva temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu that is similar to the idol of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Also, it is believed that Lord Buddha is believed to have attained Nirvana at this religious site and hence this site is visited by numerous Buddhists, Bhutiyas and Hindus.

Powa Mecca and the word 'Powa' means 1/4th and hence, Powa Mecca figuratively refers to having some of the sanctity of Mecca. The tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, a pioneer of Islam is located here.

The Kamesware Temple is an ancient temple, built in the 18th century by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha. Quite later after its construction, it was turned into a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shivlinga here resembles that in Kedarnath.

Kameswara Temple Located atop the Madanachala Hill in Hajo, this Shiva temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples in the Indian subcontinent. This temple enshrines a huge Shivalinga, made of stone, which is popularly known as the Svayambhu Linga.

Reaching Hajo is quite easy, as there is a good connectivity to this place from the nearby cities, like Guwahati, Tezpur etc. The town is located at a distance of about 25 km to the west of Guwahati and is frequently visited by travelers and tourists from all over the globe.