Shrinking year by year because of the ever- flooding Brahmaputra, Majuli is possibly no longer the world’s largest river island, but it remains a place where you’re sure to find pleasurable. The only way to get there is by taking a ferry from Jorhat to the island. Once here, you’ll pass through a foliage of trees and travel on elevated narrow lanes with paddy fields and marshes on either side. You’ll meet grazing cattle and school kids. Hundreds of migratory birds such as pelicans, Siberian cranes and adjutant storks come to the island in winter and interestingly people from all over have migrated here too. For instance, the owner of Ma Po Okum (Happy Home) belongs to Arunachal’s Mishing tribe that still worship the moon. In Majuli, most of them weave silk and saris with handlooms. A fascinating facet here is the Neo-Vaishnavite culture thriving in the sattras (temples), some of which also hold remnants of the ancient Ahom (Assam) Kingdom. During Raas Leela locals perform plays, for which masks–small and life-size–are made. Cycle around, like the locals, join them for fishing, enjoy!
