Cultural and Religious Tourism in Majuli With Special Reference to Auniati Sattra And Uttar Kamalabari Sattra

Abstract

The paper attempts to study the potential of cultural and religious tourism industry in Majuli as a whole and Auniati Sattra and Uttar Kamalabari Sattra of the island in particular. The scope of tourism in Majuli, be it eco-tourism or religious tourism and cultural tourism is tremendous with nature’s opulence in full display here. Majuli, renowned as one of the world’s largest freshwater river island is a conglomeration of Vaishnavite religion, natural beauty, art and craft, ethnic culture and traditions which needs to be explored and showcased to the world. The Sattras (Vaishnava monasteries) and their rich heritage and cultures have given Majuli the status and pride of being the “Cultural Capital of Assam”. Today people have shifted from the traditional ways of touring in the form of going to hill stations, historical places etc. to more adventurous and unexplored destinations. Adding to the other attractions of northeast India, Majuli stands out as a jewel in the crown with its total package of natural beauty, religious monasteries, eco-tourism etc. An attempt has been made to present the uniqueness of Majuli’s Sattras, its different congregational prayer services, a distinct dance form called Sattriya and an about to be an extinct art form mask making as a potential tool to put Majuli in the tourist map of India and the world.