Tourist Guide
Assam
Abode of the Brahmaputra
GENERAL
INFORMATION
There are many famous places in Assam to visit. Alluring Assam,
the “Home of the Son of Lord Brahma or Brahmaputra”
is a land full of myths, mysteries, lore and legends. This sentinel of
North-East India is joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and
remained isolated from the mainstream of India history for centuries. The
advent, of the Ahoms across the Eastern hills in 1228 A.D. was the turning
point in Assam’s history. Ahoms ruled Assam from their capital of Charaideo near
present-day Sibsagar and successfully repulsed invasions by the Mughals and the
Bengal Sultans. With the warning of Ahom power, the Burmese overran the entire
territory, but ceded Assam to the british in 1826. In
1874, a separate province of Assam was created with Shillong as
its capital.
The State is endowed with
stunning scenic beauty and is dominated by the mighty Brahmaputra River, which
is the lifeline of the Valley. Assam can be classified into three main geographical
areas the Brahmaputra Valley, the
Barrak Valley and the North Cachar Hills. Most of the Valley area is under
cultivation and rice is the principal food crop of Assam. The cash crops
grown here are jute, tea, cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane etc. The State is dotted
with oil fields and it produces about one-sixth of India’s petroleum and
natural gas. Digboi in Upper Assam was the first oil refinery in
Asia. Green is the predominant colour of Assam with over 35% lush forest cover making it one
of the most forested States of India and is also the largest producer of timber
in the country. The forests are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, the
most popular inhabitant of its jungles is the one horned rhinoceros. Assam
is also synonymous with tea gardens as
thousands of hectares are under tea cultivation.
Assam is also known for
handicraft items made of cane, bamboo and brass etc. The weavers are quite
renowned and many homes in Sualkuchi have a handloom producing exquisite silk
and cotton clothes. The Endi, Muga and Pat are the famous silk products of the
State. A visit to this amazing green paradise is indeed a fascinating
experience, with its ruins and monuments, natural beauty and exotic wildlife,
warm colourful people and their vibrant festivals and a wide range of adventure
sports.
Places
of Interest
GUWAHATI
Guwahati, the ‘Gateway to the North
East’ is the main industrial, commercial and communication centre of the
region. It is surrounded by hills and dominated by the Brahmaputra River, which is so wide at some places that the far
shore is often not visible. The name Guwahati
is said to be literally made up of two Ahom words – Guwa or arecanut and Haat
or market place. It was spelt as Gauhati
during the British Raj and the spelling was changed only during late 1980’s
according to the local pronunciation. The early history of the town is shrouded
in myths and legends. According to mythological legends, the city was built by
the demon King Narkasur, who was later killed by Lord Krishna. It is also known
as the legendary ‘Kamrup’, the birthplace of Kamdeva, the ‘God of Love’.
Excavations at Ambari have revealed artefacts dating back to the 6th
century A.D. The town was an important religious and political nerve centre of
ancient Assam and the capital of the Varman and Pala dynas ties of the
Kamarupa kingdom. It was earlier known by the names of ‘Pragjyotishpura’ or the
‘City of Eastern Lights’ and Durjoya. Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese scholar,
traveler and pilgrim visited the region about 743 A.D., on the invitation of
Kumar Bhaskara Varman, the great Varman, the great Varman King. Kamrupa is
mentioned as Kamolupa in his travelogues, which mentions about a strong naval
force of the kingdom with knowledge of the sea route to China. The glory of the
town declined between the 12th-15thCentury, with the downfall of the Kamata
kingdom. The city became a seat of the Borphukan, the Viceroy for the Western
part of the Ahom kingdom. Assam was attacked by the Mughals a number of times
and Guwahati was seized on numerous
occasions. The battle fought in 1671 A.D., between the Mughals and Lachit
Borphukan at Saraighat, near Guwahati
is noted for the bravery of the Assamese forces, which defeated the
Mughals. Today, the bustling business city of Guwahati is associated with various products like tea, oil, forest
produce and all Varieties of consumer goods. It has been listed among the 100
fastest growing cities of the world by a UK media outlet and is also considered
to be the fifth fastest growing Indian city.
Kamakhya
Temple
The sacred shrine of
Goddess Kali, at Kamakhya is the most important Temple of Assam and the main attraction of Guwahati. Goddess Kamakhya is described as yielder of all desires
and te giver of salvation in the sacred scriptures of ‘Kalika Purana’. The
Temple with bee-hive shaped ‘shikaras’ is perched on the Nilachal or Kamagiri
Hill and is a fine example of Assamese architecture. The ancient shrine is one
of the three most important tantric temples in India and one of the 51 Shakti Peethams.
According to mytholiogical
legends, King Daksha, the father of Sati, performed a great yagna and invited
all deities, except Lord Shiva and his consort Sati. The angry Sati mortified
by her father’s rebuff immolated herself in the fire of the yagna. Lord Shiva
became furious and created Virbhadra and Bhadrakali, who performed tandav with
the corpse of Sati on his shoulder. All the deities approached Lord Vishnu for
nelp, who obliged by using his sudarshan chakra to dismember Sati’s lifeless
body and bring back Lord Shiva to sanity. The body of Sati was cut into 51
pieces, which landed at different places and are worshipped as Shakti Peethams.
The ‘yoni’(female genitalia) of Sati (Shakti), fell over here and the sacred
site is also worshipped as ‘Yoni Peeth’. The temple has an underground natural
cave, which enshrines the “matra yoni”, from were a spring flows. The present
structure was built during the 17th century by King Nara Narayana of
Koch Beehar, after it was destroyed
in the 16th century by Muslim invaders. The Temple complex also has
shrines dedicated to various aspects of Mother Goddess as the Dasa Mahavidya,
including Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari and Tara. A
large number of devotees visit the shrines especially during the unique
Ambubachi Mela (mid June) and Durga Puja celebration (Sept-Oct).
Assam State
Museum
The Museum located near
Dighali Pukhuri has a rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic
artefacts like stone sculptures and bronzes etc., dating back to the 7th
century. It also exhibits rare specimens and valuable articles from the Ahom
dynasty, reflecting the glorious past of Assam.
Nabagraha
Temple
The Temple of Nabagraha or
‘Nine Planets’ is set on the Chitranchal Hill and is believed to be existing
since Puranic times. The present structure is said to be built by Rajeswar
Singha, and Ahom King. It is an acient seat of astrology and astronomy and has
a lingam surrounded by nine representations of the planets. There is also an
imprint of the solar system inside the Temple.
Dighali
Pukhuri
The huge water tank in the
heart of the town near Uzanbazar and GNB Road is said to have been built by
legendary King Bhagadatta, who hosted a swayamvar of his daughter Bhanumati,
and married her with Kaurav prince, Duryodhan of the Mahabharta epic. The tank
is flanked by the High Court on the North and State Museum and District Library
on the South bank. There is also a boat club here for rowing with an attached
restaurant.
Guwahati
Planetarium
The Planetarium located at
Uzanbazar is the only one of its kind in the North Eastern region. It is also a
centre for astronomical research.
Nehru Park
The beautiful park at
Panbazar is studded with forty five concrete statues, depicting folk dances of Assam like Bihu, Ojapali, Deodhani, Jhumur and Bhoor Tal etc. The sculptures
also exhibit other facets of the State’s rich culture and a “Food Villa” has
come up recently which is already very popular.
Ugratara
Temple
The sacred shrine on the
banks of For Pukhuri or the twin ponds is considered by many as a Shakti Peeth. It is believed that the
eyes of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva fell over here.
Sukreswar
Temple
This another ancient Shiva
Temple nestles on the Dakini Jogini Hill along the River Brahmaputra. It is believed to have been built by an Ahom King,
Pramatta Singha.
Srimanta
Sankaradeva Kalashetra
This multipurpose cultural
complex named after the great Vaishnava sage and scholar of Assam was
inaugurated in 1998 and is one of the must visit sites of Guwahati. It preserves the cultural identify of various communities
and tribes of Assam, by promoting
dance, drama, music and art. There is a Museum, art gallery, Open-air theatre
and a traditional Vaishnava Temple.
Balaji Temple
The newly built shrine is
located at Belkuchi area and is noted for its South Indian temple architecture.
The temple is beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Assam State
Zoo cum Botanical Garden
The lush, well-maintained
zoo and botanical garden is located at Hengrabari Reserve Forest. The main
attraction of the zoo is the majestic one horned rhino and a rich variety of
other mammals.
NEDFI Haat
It is a good place to shop
for the handicraft products of the region. One can also get traditional food
items during major local festivals.
Umananda
Temple
The temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva is set on the Peacock Island in the River Brahmaputra, which is perhaps the world’s smallest human inhabited
river island. It can be reached by ferries and motor launches from Umananda
Ghat. According to mythological legends Kamdev, the ‘God of Love’ was reduced
to ashes over here by Lord Shiva. Shivratri festival is celebrated here with
pomp and gaiety.
River Cruise
Exploring the waters of the
mighty Brahmaputra River through
cruise vessels is one of the major attractions of Guwahati. One can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty especially
during the evenings. The sun-set vies is spectacular.
Janardan
Temple
The temple on the
Shukleswar hillock is a fine blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.
It was renovated in the 17th century.
Accoland
The fine amusement park is
named after Acco, the mythological King of amusement. Other attractions include
Kharguli Beach, Sarania Pahar, Urvashi Island, Chandubi Lake, Pandu, Lonkeswar
Temple Nepali Mandir, Digeswari Temple, Rudreswar Temple, Deepor Beel Birds
Santuary, etc.
Around
Guwahati
Basistha
The beautiful picnic and
pilgrim site on Sandhyachal Hill is believed to be associated with legendary
Sage Basistha. It is said that the saint built his ashram or hermitage here,
near the confluence of three mountain tributaries – Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta.
Basistha passed away over here and his grave can be seen at the ashram. There
is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built by an Ahom King, Rajeswar
Singha. Devotees believe that a dip in the holy waters of the confluence
ensures longevity. Garhanga Reserve Forest, nearby has a large number of
elephants. A butterfly Reserve is also proposed over here.
Dispur
The charming capital of Assam is a main suburb of Guwahati, on the Guwahati – Shillong Road. The capital was shifted from Shillong to
Dispur in 1972 when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972. The city is endowed with natural beauty and is also
a big commercial hub for North East India. It has a popular Auction Centre of
Classic and Quality Teas of Assam.
Jatia
Jatia, an ancient capital
of Assam, also known as
Pragjyotishpur is located next to Dispur. The entire area is bustling with
shopping activity and it is flanked on one side by G.S.Road which leads to Shillong.
HAJO
The pilgrim centre across
the River Brahmaputra is equally
revered by Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists and is popularly referred as the
cultural melting pot of the State. It was and important centre of Assamese
culture and learning. The entire area is dotted with a number of ancient
Temple, but the most significant is the stone Temple of Hayagriba Madhab set on
the Monikut Hill. It is important for Hindus and Buddhists and the present
structure was built in 1583, by King Raghudeva Narayan. Some historians believe
that the temple was built in the sixth century by a King of the Pala dynasty.
The Hindus worship the presiding sixth century by a King of the Pala dynasty.
The Hindus worship the presiding mythological legends the Pandava princes of
Mahabharata stayed here during their exile (agyatwas). A large stone bowl said
to be used by Bhima can be seen here. The Temple can be reached by a large
turtle. Buddhists of the region believe that Lord Buddha attained nirvana at
the temple site.
The Pao Mecca Mosque
located nearby was built in the 12th century by Pir Ghiasuddin
Aulia, an Iraqi prince who became a preacher and is credited to be a pioneer in
propagating Islam in the region. It is believed that the earth from Mecca was
used while laying the foundation of the Mosque. The tomb of Pir Ghiasuddin
Aulia is located in front of the Mosque.
Other important ancient
shrines of Hajo are – Kedar Temple, Ganesh Temple and Kameshwar Temple, which are
being conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and have been
declared as monuments of national importance.
Hajo is also famous for
bell-metal work, exquisitely done by the local crafsmen.
MADANKAMDEV
The magnificent ruins of
Madan Kamdev Temple scattered on the Dewangiri Hill, amidst scenic surroundings
are located 3 Kms, from Baihata Chariali on the National Highway 52. The Temple
complex dedicated to Madan Kamdev, the God of Love is said to be built between
10th and 12th centuries during the reign of the Pala
dynasty and is also called as the “Khajuraho of Kamrup”. According to
mythological legends, when enraged, Lord Shiva reduced Kamdev to ashes with his
third eye, Kamdev was reborn here and united with his consort Rati.
The remains of exquisite
and erotic sculptures exhibit the love of Kamdev and Rati. AMuseum preserves
the archaeological finds of the region.
SUALKUCHI
The “Manchester of Assam”
on the banks of Brahmaputra produces some of the best silk in the State. Almost
every house has an adjacent shed (karkhana) that house of traditional bamboo
looms, the gentle click-clacking of which can be heard from the streets and one
can watch master craftsmen weaving intricate pattern on the golden Muga silk.
There are about 17000 silk looms in the small village, where silk is woven into
mekhela-chadar and gamosas. The saris, shawls and dress
material.
BARPETA
Barpeta, the “Land of
Satras” is associated with Srimanta Sankardeva the great Assamese reformer,
saint scholar and cultural exponent and his trusted disciple Shri Mahadev Deva.
The great Sage came here in 16th century and established the Satras
or Vaishnava monasteries, which attract a large of devotees from all over the
State, especially during festivals and anniversaries. The buildings within the
Barpeta Satra are noted for their fine architecture. The Kirtan Ghar here is
perhaps the largest in the State. Another attraction is the Temple of Mahadeb.
Barpeta is also famous for indigenous fire cracker industry.
BORDOWA
It is the birthplace of
Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, the great Vaishnava socio-religious reformer of
Assam. He started Mahapuruxiya Dharma or religion and inspired bhakti in Assam
like Ramananda, Kabir, Basava and Chaitanya of Assam. Narowa Satra, Salaguri
Satra and a mini Museum are some of the attractions of Bordowa. FaKhua (Holi)
festival and the birth and death anniversaries of various Vaishnava sages are
celebrated here.
DARRANG
This beautiful place near
the Eastern Bhutan Border is famous for the Bhutia Fair held during winter.
BHAIRABKUNDA
The popular picnic site
lies on the border of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
HAFLONG
The picturesque hill resort
sometimes referred as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ is 345 Kms from Guwahati
and 85 Kms from Silchar by road and has a hill railway station of the British
era. It is set amidst azure blue hills teeming with a rich variety of exotic
orchids and plants, rare species of birds, meandering streams and cascading
waterfalls. The hills around Haflong are inhabited by tribes and ethnic groups
like Himar, Karbi, Khelma, Mizo and Zime Naga etc. The region is also ideally
suited for adventure sports like para gliding and trekking. The main attraction
of Haflong is a beautiful lake in the heart of the town, which is a large
natural water body. Tourists enjoy boating on the waters of the lake. Haflong
is also known for pineapple and orange orchards.
About
Haflong
JATINGA
It is
world famous for the bird mystery, as migratory birds flock here between August
and November, to commit mass suicide by banging themselves against the cliffs
and then dropping down. The unique hanging against the rocky cliffs spectacle
can be witnessed from an elevated watch tower.
MAIBONG
The
headquarters of the North Cachar Hills district was the capital of the Kacharis
between the 16th and 18th century. It s set on the banks
of river Mahur and the relics of the old capital can still be seen. The stone
houses and temple of the Kachari King’s are interesting.
UMRANGSO
Beautiful
waterfall created by the plunging Kopili River.
HIGH TEA
Assam, one of the world’s largest tea
growing regions is famous for its black tea noted for its body, briskness,
unique malty flavor and strong, bright colour. In 1823, the tea plant was
discovered in the Upper Brahmaputra
Valley, by Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer and the first tea plantation
was set up in 1834, near Dibrugarh. Today, Assam has over 850 tea estates,
which produce around 55%of India’s tea and 12% of the world’s tea. In 1970,
the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre
was established for better marketing of the tea produced in Assam. It is now
the world’s largest CTC tea auction centre and the world’s second largest in
terms of total quantity of tea. Over 150 million kg. of tea valued at more
than Rs 550 crores is auctioned here annually. The Tea industry has
contributed substantially to the economy of Assam. About 17 percent of the workers of Assam are engaged in the tea industry.
A visit
to the State rendered incomplete without experiencing the magic of the tea
gardens and enjoying the celebration of Assam’s
Tea Festival, held during winter on different dates.
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SIBSAGAR
The ancient capital of the
Ahoms is about 368 Kms from Guwahati.
A huge 237 acres water tank was built here by Queen Madambika in 1734. On its
banks are three Temples- Shivdol, the most important of the three, attracts a
large number of devotees on ‘Shivaratri’ and is probably the tallest Shiva
temple in the country. Vishnudol and Devidol are the other two temples. Other
important water bodiesbuilt by the Ahoms are the Joysagar, Gaurisagar and
Rudrasagar. Other places of interest are – the Rang Ghar, and oval shaped
amphitheatre, Talatol Ghar, a unique Palace and Ahom Museum, displaying
artefacts of the Sibsagar rulers.
Aruound
Sibsagar
CHARAIDEO
It was the
capital of the Ahoms and has a number of burial vaults of Kings and noblemen,
which resemble the pyramids of Egypt.
GARGAON
Gargaon
was another capital of the Ahoms and is known for the Kareng Ghar Palace built
by King Rajeshwar Singha. The unique seven storey Palace has two floors above
ground and the remaining under the ground. The Palace also has some secret
tunnels. Talatal Ghar Palace at nearby Rangpur (6 Kms) esd buily by Rudra
Singha in 1699 A.D.
TEZPUR
Tezpur is located 198 Kms
from Guwahati, on the Northern banks
of River Brahmaputra and is regarded
as the most beautiful town of the State. According to a legend, Tezpur was the
site of the war between Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. It is also associated with
the legendary love story of Princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and Prince
Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna, Nearby, at Da Parbatia are the ruins
of the 5th-6th century stone Temples. Other architectural
remains are, Agnigarh and Bamuni Hills, the Bhairavi and Mahabhairab Temples
etc. The recently developed Cole Park is very popular.
Around Tezpur
ECO CAMP
It lies
near the Jia Bharali River and is regarded as an angler’s paradise, known for
the golden Mahseer fish. Across the river is the Nameri National Park.
BHALUKPONG
The
peaceful picturesque site on the Assam-Arunachal
border is known for hot springs and orchid centre and the nyethidow Festival
held in March. It is also ideal for angling and picnics. Bhalukpong is the
gateway to Bomdila and Tawang in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
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JORHAT
Jorhat, the last capital of
the Ahoms is the land of rich art and culture and is recognized as the “Cultural Capital or the Knowledge City of
Assam”. Rajamaidam, the last burial mounds of the Ahom Kings here are of
considerable archaeological value. The town surrounded by lush tea gardens is
also known as the “Tea Capital of India” and is famous for the Tocklai Research Association (TRA), the
oldest and the largest tea research station of its kind in the world. The city
has emerged as a major business and commercial centre of the State and is a
fine base to visit the Kaziranga National Park and the World’s largest river
island Majuli. The town is 314 Kms from Guwahati.
WORLD
LARGEST RIVER ISLAND – MAJULI
Majuli, nestled amidst the
waters of the Brahmaputra about 20
Kms from Jorhat is regarded as the
world’s largest river island. The scenic island is an abode of Assamese
Vaishnavite culture, which is being preserved in Satras or Vaishanav Monasteries established by Sri Sankardeva, a
16th century leader of Vaihsanava revivalism. A number of Satras were established here, of which
about 22 survive, the remaining were shifted to other locations due to floods
and soil erosion. The remaining were shifted to other locations due to floods
and soil erosion. The important Satras
here are Dakhin Pat, famous for Rasleela, Garamurh, with a rich colletion of
of ancient weapons; Auniati, known for jewellery and handicrafts and
Bengenaati, a treasure house of antiques. Majuli is inhabited by various tribes like Mishings, Deoris and
Sonowal Kacharis, and each of them is known for their unique culture.
Mishings are well known for making exquisite handlooms, especially the
Mirizen shawls and blankets. The island also attracts a rich variety of
migratory and local birds.
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DIBRUGARH
Dibrugarh, a major town of
upper Assam is 435 Kms from Guwahati and is one of the largest
producers of tea in the country. It is also known for oil and natural gas
reserves and timber. The places of interest include, Koli Aai Than, Medieval
Memorial Grounds, ruins of famous Dehing Satra and lush green tea estates.
SILCHAR
Another major city of Assam lies about 343 Kms, South East of
Guwahati on the banks of River
Barak. The town noted for its natural beauty is also known as the Island of
Peace and is the major gateway to the neighboring areas of Manipur, Mizoram as
well as Tripura State.
Around Silchar
KACHAKANTI TEMPLE
The
history shrine dedicated to Goddess “Kachakanti”, an aspect of Durga and Kali
is one of the most popular shrines of South Assam. The original Temple was built in 1806, by the then Kachari
King and human sacrifices were a common practice at the Temple till 1818.
KHASPUR
It is
known for the ruins of a great capital. Main attractions are the Lion Gate,
Sun Gate and Temples.
BHUBENESWAR TEMPLE, BHUBAN HILL
The most
important Temple of Lord Shiva in South Assam is perched atop a hill
SALGANGA
Well
known for a Vishnu Temple.
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Call of the Wild
KAZIRANGA
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Kaziranga,
one of the most popular sanctuaries of India sprawls over and area of 430 sq.
Kms, on the Southern banks of Brahmaputra. The Sanctuary comprises of lush,
dense rain-forest, tall elephant grass reeds interspersed with vast trade of
marsh and shallow pools. Kaziranga is the famous home of the great Indian
one-horned rhinoceros. Other animals seen here are-elephant, bison, tiger,
leopard, hog deer and barasingha etc. The best searson to visit is from Nov. to
Apr. It is 217 Kms, from Guwahati.
Nearest airport – Jorhat (97Km). Nearest railhead – Furkating (75 Kms).
MANAS
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The
Sanctuary lies on the banks of the Manas River, about 176 Kms from Guwahati and is the only project Tiger
Reserve of Assam. It has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,
for unique combination of natural beauty pygmy hogs and rare golden langurs. It
is also an ornithologists delight and a fine place for fishing, for which
permission is required within the Santuary.
NAMERI
NATUIONAL PARK
The
beautiful Park in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas lies about 35 Kms from
Tezpur and extends into Arunachal Pradesh. It is a safe haven for several
wildlife species like, the white winged wood duck, hornbill, clouded leopard,
tiger, bison, and known for the golden mahseer fish.
ORANG
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The
Sanctuary sprawling on the North bank of the Brahmaputra is another home of the
one-horned rhino and is also called as a niniature Kaziranga. Other animals
that may be sighted here are elephant, tiger, sambar, barking deer, wild boar
etc. Orang is 150 Kms from Guwahati and
31 Kms from Tezpur.
PABITORA
SANCTUARY
It is
located about 50 Kms Guwahati and is
a fine place to see the celebrated one horned rhino. For those who are short on
time this is the nearest Sanctuary cum Resort to see the rhino in a natural
habitat.
Arts & Crafts
Cane and
Bamboo
These are
the most commonly used items in Assam.
Jappi, the traditional sunshade is the most popular bamboo item of Assam. Another interesting item is
Paati, the traditional mat which is now used in interior decoration.
Handlooms
Assam has the
largest concentration of Handlooms and weavers in India. Weaving is an
intrinsic part of the traditional village life and most Assamese rural women
can weave clothes on the loom. Assam
is famous for three unique varieties of silks, the Golden Muga, the White Pat
and the warm Eri. Muga, the golden silk is exclusive to Assam and various beautiful traditional outfits are woven on muga.
Toys
Beautiful
toys are made out of day, pith or Indian cork, wood, bamboo cloth and cloth-and
–mud in Assam. Dolls, mythological
figures and various animals and birds are the commonly used themes of the
traditional toy makers.
Pottery
& Terra cotta
The
commonly used items are earthern pots, pitchers, plates, incense-stick holders,
earthern lamps etc. Decoratives pieces with the latest designs are also made.
Dhulri an old Town of Assam with the
well known Sikh Gurudwara boasts of a village making exquisite terra cotta
items.
Woodcraft
Ahom
Palaces and Satras are shining examples of woodcraft in Assam. The wood replicas of rhino and Kamakhya Temple are popular
among tourists and now there is a big range in wooden sculptures too.
Masks
Masks
depicting characters from tribal myths and folklore are used in folk theatre.
These are now used as decorative pieces as well.
Jewellery
Jorhat is
known for traditional Assamese jewellery like doog-doogi, loka-paro, bana, gaam-kharu, gal-pata, jon-biri, and keru
etc.
Metal
ware
Traditional
untensils and various exquisite metal articles are made by Assamese artisians.
The two townships near Guwahati-
Hajo and Sarthebari, are known for making bell-metal and brass articles. “Guru
Simhasana” is a traditional stand for the idol in bell metal.
Fairs & Festivals
Bihu
Bihu, the most
important festival of Assam is a
celebration of good harvest. People rejoice with lively dances, music and
feasting. The Rongali Bihu (mid
April) or the Bohag is the most important Bihu, which is a farewell to the old
year and welcomes the new year. The Magh
Bihu (Jan.) celebrates the new rice harvest.
Baishagu (mid
April)
It is also
the spring time festival of the Bodo tribe and heralds the New Year.
All-ai-ligang (Feb –
March)
The
festival is celebrated by the Mishing tribe and sowing of paddy starts on this
day.
Rongker
(April)
It is the
most important festival of the Karbis. Various deities are worshipped for the
well being of the village.
Rajini
Gabra & Harni Gabra
The
festival of the Dimasa tribe is celebrated before the starting of new
cultivation
Baikho
It is
celebrated by the Rabha tribe during the spring, to please Baikho, the Goddess
of Wealth.
Bohaggiyo
Bishu
It is the
spring festival of the Deoris.
Ambubachi
Mela
(mid June)
It is the
most important festival of the Kamakhya Temple. A big fair is also held here
during this time.
How to Reach
By Air
Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, the
International Airport of Guwahati
is linked with regular flights with Kolkata, Delhi and other Metros. Other
flight connections are with various towns of North-East India as well as
international flights to Paro and Bangkok.
By Rail
Guwahati is the
headquarters of the North-East Frontier Railway and is well connected by rail
with major towns of the country. There are also regional trains from Guwahati
to Dimapur, Tinukia, Dibrugarh, Silchar and Naharlagun (Itanagar).
By Road
Guwahati is the
nodal point for road transport in the region. It is connected by NH-31, 37,40
& 52. Buses are available from here for the towns within and outside the
State and other parts of the North East “Sumo” services and Tourist Taxis.
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Disclaimer
While full care has been
taken in compiling the information, the same is subject to change without
notice. The Publishers/Distributors and Retailers are not liable for any
consequential damages based on the information contained in this publication.
We value any suggestions/corrections from the readers.
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