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Assam
Assam (Latitude 26°12'2.17"N, Longitude 92°56'15.27"E ) with area of 78,438 square kilometers, 27 districts, 26312 villages and population of 26,655,528 is the a northeastern state of India, and its capital is Dispur. The name "Assam" is derived from the term "Asom" which in Sanskrit, refers to unequal or unrivaled. Assam popularly known as the land of the red river and blue hills, this centrally located state is also the gateway to the other northeastern part of India, as Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh lies on north and the east, it's southern periphery is bordered by Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies in the Southwest, it also shares border with West Bengal and Bangladesh. Assam is famous for mighty Brahmaputra river, Assam tea, Sal tree forests, petroleum resources, Assam silk and for its rich biodiversity. However, Assam political situation is still unstable, as ULFA (United Liberation of Asom) is in constant revolution to overthrow the Indian Government as well as there are other militant groups who are seeking autonomy in Assam, despite the Indian military unsuccessful attempts to quell the insurgents for more than ten years.
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People And Culture
Assam with more than 26,655,528 population, is the home of various racial groups, such as Indo-Burmese, Aryan, Mongoloid and Indo-Iranian, with their own religions of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism. Here Bengalies and Muslims represent the largest minorities, followed by Nepalis. However the real natives of Assam are Asomiya (Assamese), and the majority of the Assamese are Vaishnavas of Hindu religion.
Places to Visit in Assam
- Kamakhya Temple:Also called yoni Pith is 8 km away from the railway station of Guwahati, situated at Neelachal Hill, is the most revered shrine of Hindu Religion. Legend has it that the body of Sati was dismembered and it is believed that of the pieces of her body which were scattered across the land and her yoni fell on Neelachal hill. During the Ambubachi Puja, the temple throngs with devotees.
- Nabagraha Temple: Once a study temple of astrology and astronomy is situated on chitrachal Hill in Guwahati.
- Umananda Temple: Situated on Peacock island in the middle of Brahamaputra river, is the temple of Lord Shiva. Devotees from all around the country comes here during Shiva Ratri.
- Hajo: Situated on the north bank of the Brahamaputra, about 32 km from Guwahati is Hajo, the meeting point of Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu religion. An Iraqi prince who became a preacher called Pir Giasuddin Aulia established a mosque in Hajo in 12th century And the Hayagrib Madhap Temple here is said to have a relic of Buddha; Buddhism believes that lord Buddha attained Nirvana here.
- Madan Kamdev: An archaeological site has temple dating back to the 10th – 12th century. There is an ancient Vaishnav Monastery and shrine of Mahadeb Deva at Barpeta, about 137 km away is the birth place of the Vaishnav (reformer of Assam) called Bordowa.
- Darranga : 100 km away and close to verdant Bhutan border is a delightful location of the famous Bhutia fair in winter. The drive takes you along vast tracts of tea gardens.
National Parks
Kaziranga National Park : 217 km away from Guwahati and 96km from Jorhat, This oldest park of Assam 430 sq km in area, is on the south bank of Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga is world famous for its great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Visitors can opt for Jeep safaris, elephant ride and stay at forest lodges. Manas National Park : 176 km north-west from Guwahati, this is the Tiger Reserve and a World Heritage Site. This National park is inhabited by One-horned rhinos, tigers, hispid hare, gaurs, pygmy hogs and rare golden langurs. Nameri National Park : Home of leopard, tigers, Indian bison and capped langur etc, Nameri National Park is also ideal for a leisurely angling vacation. The mahseer of this region is legendry, particularly the golden mahseer. Visitors can also go for river rafting. Orange National Park : 150 km from Guwahati, Orange National park is home of one horned rhino.
Festivals
- Tea Festival: This national festival is celebrated annually during January-February, where tourist can opt for jungle safaris, visit tea garden, play golf, basically tourist can meet the local people and enjoy the Assamese hospitality.
- Bihu: Marking the beginning of agricultural season, is probably the Assam's most important festival of all. The term 'Bi' means extreme and 'Su' means 'rejoicing' like other Springtime tribal festivals.
- Baishagu: Baishagu another festival celebrated during mid-April, is the cherished festival of Boro tribe and heralds the New year. This fascinating spring festival of the Deoris lasts for 7 days. Once in every four years a white buffalo is sacrificed which is considered a substitute for the traditional human sacrifice. This festival is celebrated during mid-April.
- Ali-Ai-Ligang: 'Ali' means root, seed; 'Ai' means fruit and 'Ligang' means sow. This Colourful annual festival of mishing tribe is celebrated on the fist Wednesday of month Ginmur Polo (February/March)
- Rongker and Chomangkan: The festival of Karbis, an indeginous tribe of Karbi Anglong. Rongker is celebrated in the beginning of the New year, ususally April, to venerate various deity for the well being of the entire village. And Chomangkan is basically a funeral ceremony.
- Rajini Gabra and Harni Gabra: Festival of Dimasa tribe observed in the beginning of new cultivation. Rajini gabra is celebrated during the day and Harni Gabra is celebrated at night. The people from outside the village are not allowed during this festival.
- Baikho : The Rabha tribe celebrates the Baikho festival during the spring season in order to propitiate the goddess of wealth ‘Baikho’, unfortunately the grandeur of Baikho festival are not to be seen nowadays in the villages.
- Ambubachi Mela : The annual festival of Kamakhya temple of Guwahati, celebrated during mid-June, on the monsoon season. As the hindu belief that 'The Mother Shakti' goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this period. The doors remain closed for three days during Ambubashi, as the earth becomes impure for these days, all the auspicious works such as farming, cultivation comes to a halt. On the fourth days, the doors of temple reopen again to welcome thousands of devotees from around the country.
Arts and Handicrafts
Assam is well known for its silk, muga, bamboo and cane products. The wide range of decorative items are available, tribal arts such as maska, bhaonas, bamboo and wood are popular souvenir items. Bell-metal and brass have been the most commonly used for the Assamese artisan, The entire population of two townships near Guwahati - Hajo and Sarthebari are engaged in producing traditional bell-metal and brass articles.
Getting to Assam
No permits are required India citizens, but a foreigner mush have an Indian Visa.
- By Air - The Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is well connected to most of the metropolis in the country. Air India also operates an international weekly flight between Bangkok and Guwahati.
- By Train - Assam is well connected to the rest of the country. There are train services from Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum. B.G. line connection is upto Dibrugarh and M.G. line with Haflong and Silchar.
- By Road - A network of National Highways and other roads connect all important places of Assam. All the towns of Assam are well connected by the Assam State Transport Corporation and other tourist bus services run by private operators. These buses also ply to the capitals of the neighboring states. Besides, the Department of Tourism has a fleet of luxury buses and jeeps for hire at affordable prices.