Majuli is the largest river island of the world in the Brahmaputra river located in assam. It has a total population of 150000. The island had a total area of 1250 square kilometers but having lost significantly to erosion it had an area of only 352 square kilometers in 2014. However it recognised by Guinness book of world records as worlds largest river island. A few days ago the island had promoted to the first island district of the country.
Originally the island was a long narrow part of land called Majoli that had the Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south till they met at lakhu. Due to heavy flood in the period of 1661 to 1696, the Brahmaputra split into two branches- one flowing along the original chennel and the other flowing along the Burhidihing channel and the majuli island was formed. The agriculture, fishing, dairying, pottery, handloom, and boat making are the important economic activities of the people of Majuli. The people of Majuli are mostly of the Mising tribes, apart from them the deori and sonowal kacharis are loved here. Despite inherent drabacks faced, modernism has touched the island with the setting up of medical centers and educational institutions.
Though the island touches modernism yet the heart of all villagers is the Namghar, where they gather to sing and pray. The island has been the hub of Assamese-neo Vaishnavite culture, initiated around 15th century by the revered assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. Many satras or monasteries constructed by the saint still survive and represents the colorful Assamese culture.
The main surviving satras are- 1) Dakhinpat Satra 2) Garamurh Satra 3) Aauniati Satra 4) Kamalabari Satra 5) Bengenaati Satra 6) Shamaguri Satra
I personally visit the island and I can’t explaint the natural beauty of it. I highly recomend this place to visit.