Majuli Island of Assam, is renowned as one of the world’s largest river islands, spanning across an extensive area of 483 square kilometres. It is also called the cultural capital of Assam. The festivals of Majuli island of Assam are all full of joy and vibrance with a lot of music and dance. Here is the list of major festivals of Majuli Island:
Ali Aye Ligang
Ali-Aye-Ligang or Ali-Ai-Ligang a spring festivity associated with agriculture, celebrated by the Mising or Mishing tribal people of Assam. It is on the occasion of the beginning of the Ahu paddy cultivation. The festival marks the onset of sowing seeds. The name of the festival is made up of three terms, ‘Ali’, legumes, ‘Aye’, seed and ‘Ligang’, to sow. The festival begins on the first Wednesday of the Phalguna (ফাগুন),the 12th month of the Hindu calendar. It falls on the English month of February.
Raas Mahotsav
Raas Mahotsav (festival) held in Majuli during November, is a vibrant celebration of the life events of Sri Krishna, a revered Hindu deity. This festival features colorful performances, including dances, plays, and the traditional art form of Ankiya Bhaona, which vividly portrays the life events of Krishna and various other mythological stories.
Majuli Music Festival
Since its inception in 2019, the Majuli Music Festival has become a significant cultural event on the island, aimed at showcasing the vibrant cultures of Majuli and drawing in tourists. This annual festival, held in November, coincides with the Rass Mahotsav, offering a diverse range of musical performances and cultural displays that capture the essence of the island’s heritage. Through music, the festival seeks to celebrate the rich traditions and artistic expressions that have made Majuli a unique and alluring destination for visitors from all around.
Bihu
Similar to other parts of Assam, Bihu, a cherished Assamese festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm on Majuli Island. One of the most prominent Bihu festivals, known as Bohag Bihu, is observed during the spring season, typically in April. This festival marks the onset of the Assamese New Year and is characterized by colorful cultural events, traditional dances, and vibrant festivities that capture the spirit of renewal and the joys of spring.
Ankiya Bhaona
Majuli Island has long held a prominent cultural position in Assam, dating back to the medieval period. The influence of the bhakti movement and the cultural contributions of luminaries like Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdeva have left an indelible mark on Majuli. Celebrated alongside the Raas Mahotsav in the month of November, the tradition of Bhaona, a form of traditional theater, is a significant cultural attraction. Sometimes, standalone Bhaona performances are organized to meet specific demands and mark special occasions. This rich and vibrant tradition continues to draw people from across Assam to Majuli, making it a cultural and artistic center of the region.
