Jorhat is and has been a vibrant place and is a perfect mixture tradition and modernity. It was the hub of anti-british struggle of Assam. Before that it was the last capital of the Ahoms, the dynasty which ruled over Assam for six centuries. Majuli, the biggest riverine island in the world is the center of Assam's Vaisnava culture. In these days it is a major educational and commercial center .

It is famous for its sprawling tea gardens. It is the nerve centre of the tea industry. It has the world renowned Toklai Experimental Centre. Research is carried out to find new varieties of tea and also therapeutic effects of green tea. From Jorhat, one can visit Majuli, the largest island on the Brahmaputra. In Majuli, there are numerous satras or monasteries. 60 kms aways from Jorhat, lies Nambar Forest reserve which is famous for being a rejuvenating hot spring.A further 90 kms down, one comes across Dimapur (in Nagaland), once the seat of the Cachar kingdom.

The Regional Research Laboratory, which is also in Jorhat, conducts investigations on plants, herbs and soil. The Assam Agricultural University, the Technical School, etc. also attract a number of students and researchers from all over the country.

What to see :
Vaishnava Satra founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture.
In fifteen century Shankardeva took shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri (in West Majuli), which was a place of glory for the historic and auspicious, 'Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Madhavdeva . This was the first "satra" in Majuli, From "Manikanchan Sanjog" there had been sixty five "Satras frowing up for propogation of ethics and socio-cultural 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 

Dakhinpat Satra : Dakhinpat Satra was founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the State festivals of Assam.

Garamurh Satra :This Satra was founded by Lakshmikantdeva. During Autumn end traditional Raasleela is performed with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons are also preserved here. 

Auniati Satra :  Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, this satra is famous for 'Paalnaam' and Apsara dance and it also has considerable collection of old Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.

Kamalabari Satra :  Kamalabari Satra founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a center of art, culture, literature and classical studies. Its branch Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programme of satria art in several states of India and abroad.

Bengenaati Satra : It is a store house of culturally important antiques and an advanced center of performing arts. Muraridev, the grand son of Shankaradeva's step mother, had founded the SSwargadeoatra. The royal robes belong to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made of Gold and an umbrella which is also made of gold, are preserved here.

These Satras are the treasure house of "Bongeet " Matiakhara, Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance, Dasavater Dance etc. which were contributed by Shri Shankardeva

It's People:
The people of Majuli represent the varied ethnic forms of cultural heritage. Hospitality of Majulians are remarkable. One who visited the island cannot but appreciate the simplicity and inherent spirit of the people. As you travel through this river island you will experience tribes with traditions you could never imagine to be in existence. Open-heart attitude, which is the hallmark of the Majulians, is sure to make carry their images all through out your life. Such is the type of love evoking lot of people the Majulians are !

Population Density: 300
Nos. of Village:        243
Nos. of Satras:        22
Language dialect:   Assamese, Mishing, Deori
Climate: Coolest months are from November to February when the average temperature is 270 c.
Hottest time March to June 340 c .

How to go :
Majuli can be reached by three prime routes in normal time. From Jorhat through Nematighat, Luit-Khabalu ghat from North Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana from Dhemaji. Air connectivity to Jorhat from Delhi via Kolkota and daily flight to Guwahati from Delhi and Kolkota are available. By roadways Jorhat and Lakhimpur are the first destination where from you will get next road communication to Majuli through daily ferry services available on the bank of Brahmaputra and Khabalu river respectively. 

The striking Juxtaposition of man and nature in its harmonies best accentuated by a palpable undertone of spirituality and the unfathomable aura of mysticism that governs the essence of life combined with the exotic mosaic of diverse ethnicism lend the island an enchanting uniqueness, rarely found elsewhere in the world. Majuli is a rich place in tradition and culture and boasting of a glorious past. With the establishment of Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankaradeva and his chief disciple Sri Sri Madhavdeva in the 15th century, Majuli emerged as the crowning glory of Vaishnavite's culture in Assam. The most remarkable feature of Majuli, apart from its aura of spiritualism in a total population free environment, it is the colourful mosaic of diverse ethnicity.

A vibrant tradition of art and craft is an important component of culture continuum of Majuli. Music, Dance, Drama were the basic medium deployed in propagating the monotheistic philosophy of Vaishnavism. The self taught artisians of Majuli transform a small piece of wood or bamboo to exquisite works of art. Basketry, ivory, silver filigree work are a few of the traditional crafts still being carried on the island.

Bangalpukhari

On the southern side of Jorhat, near Na-ali, there is a tank popularly known as Bangalpukhari. In the month of Sravana of Saka 1739, Badan Barphukan was murdered by Rupsinghh Bangal when he was going to take bath. For this act , he was rewarded with some money which he spent in excavating this tank. The people do not use the water of this tank as it was excavated with the money received for killing a man

THENGAL BHAWAN : Build in 1880 by Raibahadur Shiva Prasad Barooah, the first Assamese Daily Dainik Batari was started from this complex.

Garmur Satra

Auniati

-d0-

-do-