Majuli - The Satras and it's rich culture

Majuli - The Satras and it's rich culture

Majuli, the largest river island of the world, is situated in Jorhat district of Assam and surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra river. Majuli has now been declared as a district on September 8th, 2016 and it is the first island district of India. It's area is almost 352 sq. K.m. as per recent record, but the  saddest thing is that it is shrinking day by day. As per record, in early twentieth century, it's area was almost 880 sq. K.m. Flood is the major problem of Majuli from decades. People are suffering from years. The only way to get there is by ferries from Jorhat, Bihpuria,Dhakuwakhana and few smaller cities. Although transportation is a major issue but Majuli is the heart of Assam in terms of  it's  rich culture and diverse traditions.

The island is a habitat of many tribes like Ahom, Kachari, Chutiya, Kalita, Brahmin,Mishing, Deori,Sonowal etc. If you want to see the culture of Assamese people in one small place, then you can obviously choose Majuli because from 16th century, it is termed as the cultural capital of Assam. There are twenty two Satras in Majuli now. The first Satra was founded in 15th century. Have you heard the name Srimanta Shankardeva? He was the founder of Ekasarana naam dharma and also a poet and play writer. He was the person behind most of the  social and religious grounds of Assam.

 
Detailed information of some of the satras in Majuli are given below-

1. Dakshinpat Satra: Dakshinpat Satra is situated in Mekheli gaon of majuli. The distance from the nearest city Jorhat is about 50 km. It was established by Sri Vanamalidev in 1584 during the reign of Ahom King Jayadhvas Singh. The Satra has now almost hundreds of saints living together. It is the most visited tourist site of Majuli. During the festival Raasleela , many rituals are held and have a huge gathering. The present Satradhikar is Sri Sri Nonigopal Deva Goswami.

2. Auniati Satra: This is one of the popular pilgrimage site of Majuli. It is situated almost 38 km from the city of Jorhat. It was established by Jaydhvas Singh in the year 1653 who was also known as Sutomola. The first Satradhikar of Auniati Satra was Sri Sri Niranjan Deva. The present Satradhikar of Auniati Satra is Sri Pitambar deva Goswami. During raasleela, janmastami etc,many performances are devoted to Lord Krishna.

3. Ahatguri BorSatra: It is situated in Shikoli Chapori of Majuli. It was established by Sriram Ata in the year 1643.

4. Garmurh Satra: It was established by Lakshmikantadev in 1656 A.D.. The first Satradhikar was Sri Sri Jayharidev. It is situated at almost 38 km away from the city Jorhat.

5.Kamalabari Satra: It was established by Badula Padma Ata in the year 1595. As per history, Badula Padma Ata was a disciple of Sri Madhavdeva. It is almost 34 km from Jorhat and can be reached by ferry service over the Brahmaputra. The present Sayradhikar is Sri Sri Janardan Deva Goswami.

Bhaona is the heart of Majuli specially performed in Satras and Namghars. It is one of the best creation of Srimanta Shankardeva, where the characters like Sutradhars, Gaions, Baions and the design of costumes makes it unique which attracts the tourists. Annual bhaona in Majuli is one of the biggest festivals of the region. The particular language of bhauna is Brajawali.

The mask making culture is one of the famous culture of Majuli which is practiced mainly by the Satras. Chamaguri Satra has it's own position in mask making culture. The masks are primarily used in bhaonas. These are designed to present the ancient characters. Clothes, bamboo , colour etc are used in masks.  Sometimes paper and woods are also used. These masks are of three types- Mukha, Bor mukha and Lotokai Mukha. You will be wondered by this craft idea. It is sure that the tradition of mask making has major role in Assamese culture.

This is not everything. The greenery and beauty of Majuli impresses every traveller. The view of Brahmaputra takes an important role. The experience of floating on the ferries will also give you an wonderful experience if you have never been through a river. And If you are a religious person, then this is the best place for you. I am sure you will find peace and happiness.

Now, come to the worst part as I mentioned above that Majuli is going under water day by day. Every year , flood is creating havoc in the district. Many people lost their lives and many became homeless over the years. It is obviously a big threat for existing Satras of Majuli. The rich culture and traditions of Majuli is going under water every year. The government has taken many steps but the crisis is not over yet.