SATRAS

Majuli is the spiritual center of Neo-Vishnoism, a cult dedicated to Krishna that emerged in the ^15th century. This branch of Hinduism was founded by the Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva, who took refuge on the island. He founded a monastery at Beloguri in the west of the island. Subsequently, 64 other monasteries were built, each with its own guru. Today, there are still 22 monasteries on the island. Some monks are very young, as their parents send them to receive a free education. Monks generally return to their families once a year. The rest of the time is spent in the monastery, praying and studying the sacred texts. The establishments live off the generosity of the faithful. The most important satras often have a small museum containing a number of ritual-related objects, as well as weapons and precious furniture. Traditional dances are regularly held here in the evenings - a spectacle not to be missed.

Access to the satra is via an arch, sometimes richly decorated. You'll always find a prayer hall preceded by a garuda - Vishnu's sacred vehicle - a pool and buildings housing the monks. Out of respect, you should wear a gamucha (white cotton scarf embroidered with red thread).

Satra Dakhinpat: founded in 1584, this is the best-known of the satras. It was founded by Sri Vanamalidev, a priest "protected" by the ahom king Jayadhvaj Singh, who contributed greatly to the monastery's wealth. Today, the monastery has around 100 monks. Its dance performances are very popular with devotees and tourists alike.

Satra Kamalabari: founded by Bedulapadma Ata, this is today an artistic, cultural and literary center. The satra is famous for its dance performances and its monks regularly travel the world to spread their culture.

Satra Chamaguri: Hem Chandra Goswami's family has carried on the tradition of mask-making for generations. They are the last to practice this venerable art, and perform Bhaona all over the world. The structures are made from a lightweight variety of bamboo. A thin cotton cloth dipped in a paste of clay and cow dung is molded onto the structure. Successive layers of paste are then applied and dried in the sun. The mask is then sculpted and painted. Hair and whiskers are made from jute and water hyacinth.

Satra Auniati : founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, this satra has around 700 followers worldwide. It perpetuates the tradition of Palnam, a prayer practiced continuously and in rotation by members of the congregation during the last 5 days of the month of Kati (October-November). On this occasion, many devotees gather in the prayer hall. The satra museum houses numerous Assamese handicrafts, jewelry and sacred objects.

Satra Garmur: founded in 1656 by Jayaharideva. This is the place to be during the Rasleela festival, an ancient celebration that takes place on the evening of the full moon in the month of Kati (October-November). Dances depict the life of Krishna, and in this satra, both men and women take part in the performance.

Satra Benegenaati: an important cultural center where the tradition of sacred dance is perpetuated. The museum also houses important relics, including a golden parasol that belonged to the ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singh.