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Situated between 90-96 degree
East Longitute and 24-28 degree North Latitude, Assam is bordered in the North
and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies
Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South-West, Bengal and
Bangladesh to her West.
Speak of a land of wooded hills and vales with a wide river meandering through, of sprawling tea gardens, of enticing songs and dances, of fine silks, and you are already able to hazard a good enough guess.
Add to that, the one-horned rhinoceros, the oldest refinery in India, a people made all the more colourful by a sizeable population of tribals and one of the most venerated Sakti temples in the Country , and you know it is Assam- the land of the Red River, the Brahmaputra, and the Blue Hills flanking it.
For Assam is identified no better than by its
Bihu songs and dances, the
Kaziranga
Assam is known for Assam tea, petroleum resources, Assam silk and for its rich biodiversity. It has successfully conserved the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction in Kaziranga, the tiger in Manas and provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. It is increasingly becoming a popular destination for wild-life tourism and notably Kaziranga and Manas are both World Heritage Sites. Assam was also known for its Sal tree forests and forest products, much depleted now. A land of high rainfall, Assam is endowed with lush greenery and the mighty river Brahmaputra, whose tributaries and oxbow lakes provide the region with a unique hydro-geomorphic and aesthetic environment.
Fair & Festivals
Assam is a land of fairs and festivals. Most of the festivals celebrated in Assam have their roots in the diverse faith and belief of her inhabitants, but a spirit ofaccommodation and togetherness characterizes the celebration of all festivals.
The perfect fusion of heritage of her numerous races has made Assam the home of the most colorful festivals which are passionate, compelling and mesmerizing reflecting the true spirit, tradition and lifestlye of the people of Assam. Six festivals are organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Assam, every year to encourage tourists to visit Assam. They are given below:
Besides these, the major festivals celebrated in Assam are Bihu, Baishagu, Ali-Ai-Ligang, Baikho, Rongker, Rajini Gabra Harni Gabra, Bohaggiyo Bishu, Ambubashi Mela and Jonbill Mela and so on.
The people of Assam also celebrate Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, Swaraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Idd, Muharram, Me-Dam-Me-Phi, the birth and death anniversaries of Vaishnava Saints Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev.The tribals of Assam have their own colourful festivals like the Kherai Puja of the Bodos, the Baikhu and Pharkantis of the Rabhas, Ali-ai-ligang and Parag of the Mishing tribe, the Sagra-misawa wansawa and laghun of the Tiwas.
The Ahoms of Tai origin celebrate Me-Dum-Me-Phi on the 31st of January annually. The Ojapali dances of non-Vaishnavite origin are usually associated with the Serpent Goddess Manasa.
Bathow festival is celebrated
by the Kacharis through sacrifice of goats and chickens. The Boros of the plains
in general have an intricate pattern of indigenous dances associated with the
primitive rituals like Kherai Puja. The Dimasas celebrate Rangi Gobra and Harni
Gobra at the start of the cropping cycle for prosperity to ward off calamities.
The Deoris observe Bohagiya visu- the Spring time festival.
Dehing
Patkai Festival
Tea Festival
Celebrated every year in Jorhat,
this festival is all about tea, music and merriment. A world of festivity with
traditional hospitality, jungle safaris, tea garden visits, golf, local cuisine,
rafting in turbulent rivers, angling, shopping and cultural extravaganza. A
harmonious blend of business and pleasure. Come and meet the warm hearted people
of Assam and savour Assam's beauty and cultural diversity.
Elephant Festival For conservation and protection of Asiatic elephant a festival is organized every year at Kaziranga National Park jointly by the Forest Department and Tourism Department, Govt. of Assam. The festival includes many activities by domestic elephants and various cultural programmes.
Rongali Utsav Come April, and for the numerous communities, tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra it's time to welcome the onset of the agricultural season, a celebration of the vibrant springtime fertility cult. The Rongali Utsav festival is celebrated annually at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam. It is celebrated with joy and abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief. Bihu can be broadly divided into three categories: Bohag Bihu which augurs the wish for a good harvest because this is the time when farmers start sowing, Kaati Bihu which is observed to mark the cutting and binding of grains and Magh Bihu which marks the season of harvesting of grains.
Assam, the melting pot of numerous colourful tribes comes alive to the beating of the Dhol (drums) and the melody of the Pepa (flute). Young and old alike come out in their traditional attire of muga and pat (both unique varieties of Assamese silk) tosing the song of eternal youth. Invariably the Bihu songs are an eulogy of the exquisite beauty of one's love, thepersonification of Mother Nature.
It is one of those festivals which all the major tribes in the state celebrate, albeit with different names. While the Bodos celebrate Baisagu, the Rabhas celebrate Baikho. The Missings, Deuris and Morans on the other hand call the festival Bihu Utsav. Call it by whatever name, one thing is sure it's time for merriment, time to sing and dance. Time to visit Assam. To facilitate this, to introduce people from around the globe to this unique celebration of the joys of nature, the Tourism Department, Govt. of Assam organises the RONGALI UTSAV every year in Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, Assam.
Come and enjoy the spirit of spring in Assam-the nature's treasure. We are here to welcome you.
Tribal groups like the Mishings, the Deoris, and the Morans celebrate "Bihu" with dances of their own distinctive style. In the more recent times a fairly large scale migration of people from other parts of India like the Santhals, Gonds, Mundas etc. from Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, brought as indentured laboures for tea gardens have also carried with them their own distinct cultural heritage which has blossomed forth in exotic festivals like Tussu Puja, Sarak Puja, Karam Puja and captivating dances like the Jhumur.
Ambubachi Mela Is the most important festival of Kamakhya temple of Guwahati and is held every year during monsoon (mid-June). It is a ritual of austerities celebrated with 'Tantric rites'. It is a common belief that the reigning diety, 'Kamakhya' , 'The Mother Shakti' goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this period.
During Ambubashi the doors of the temple remain closed for three days. It is believed that the earth becomes impure for three days. During this time no farming work is undertaken. Daily worship and other religious performances are suspended during this period. After three days, the temple doors are reopened after the Goddess is bathed and other rituals performed. It is believed that the mother earth regains her purity now. This is purely a ritual of Tantric cult.
Ambubachi mela is held at the Kamakhya temple, after being closed for the afore-mentioned three days. On the fourth day only the devotees are allowed to enter inside the temple for worship. Thousands of devotees from all over India visit this mela.
Me-Dum-Me-Phi The most important Ahom festival which deserves mention is the Me-Dum-Me-Phi, i.e., the ancestor worship festival which is observed by the whole Ahom community. This is performed annually on the 31st of January at some common venue. This in a way helps to develop social contacts and community feelings among the Ahoms. Colourful processions with devotees in traditional finery are also taken out on the occasion.
Jonbeel Mela This spectacular fair(mela) is held every year during winter at Jonbeel of Jagiroad, a lesser known township only 32 kms from Guwahati. A few days before the mela, tribes like the Tiwas, Karbis, Khasis, Jaintias from the Meghalaya hills come down with their various products for this mela. On the occasion of the 'mela' a big bazar is held here where these tribes exchange thier products with local people in barter system which is very rare in a civilized modern society.
Before the 'mela' they perform fire worship or agni puja for the well being of mankind. It is to be noted that during this mela the 'govaraja' or the king of the Tiwa trbe along with his courtiers visit this mela and collect taxes from his subjects. The significant point of this mela is its theme of harmony and brotherhood amongst various tribes and communities. During the 'mela' these communities perform their traditional dances and music to celebrate the mela in a befitting manner.
Famous for its myriad colours and merriment, 'Baishagu' is generally celebrated by the Bodo Kacharis during mid April. It is the most cherished festival of the Bodo tribe. The Bodos also celebrate it as a springtime festival at the advent of the new year.
The first day begins with worship of the cow. The next day which synchronises with the first day of the month of 'Bohag' of the Assamese almanac, the actual merriment begins with the young people of each household reverentialy bowing down to their parents and elders. The supreme deity 'Bathou' or Lord Shiva is worshipped during the festival by offering chicken and rice beer. In the Baishagu dance there is no age or sex bar, all are welcome to join in. The traditional musical instruments that are used in this dance festival are 'Khum' (drum), 'Jotha' (Manjari), 'Khawbang' (Taal), 'Gogona' (Mouth-organ) and 'Siphung' (Flute) etc. It is also customary at the time of closure of the Baishagu festival to offer community prayers at a particular place called 'Garjasali'.
Bohaggiyo Bishu This is the most fascinating spring festival of the Deoris of Assam, one of the four divisions of the Chutiyas, who are believed to have been members of the great Boro race. The term 'Bishu' might have originated from the Chutiya word 'Bishu'. 'Bi' means extreme and 'Su' means 'rejoicing' like other Springtime tribal festivals.
Bohaggiyo Bishu is also observed during mid-April at a stretch for seven days withunrestricted joy and merrymaking. It is to be observed that the Deoris Bishu do not always fall on the Sankranti Day. The Bishu must be preceded by a 'Than puja' and evidently it must start on a Wednesday. There is much socio-religious significance and arrangements to be made before the puja. Once in every four years a white buffalo is sacrificed which is considered a substitute for the traditional human sacrifice. The Deodhani dance is the most important and significant part of the festival. Husori or carol song party is the main attraction.
Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra The annual festival of the colourful Dimasa tribe. It is exclusively a socio-religious festival which is generally observed before starting a new cultivation. Rajini Gabra is celebrated during day time. The 'Kunang' or the village headman propitiates the family deity by closing the village gate on the worship date. On the same night in a function called 'Harni Gabra', the presiding deity is worshipped for the protection and welfare of the people.
It is very interesting to note that during the Rajini Gabra and Hami Gabra festival if any outsider enters the village inspite off seeing the closed gate, the entire function is considered to be spoilt. The intruders then have to bear the total cost for holding the festival anew.
Rongker and Chomangkan Rongker and Chomangkan are the two most important festivals of the Karbis, an indeginous tribe of Karbi Anglong.
Rongker is basically a springtime festival of merriment and is performed at the beginning of the New year, i.e. April. To propitiate different gods and goddesses for the well being of the entire village, the elderly male folk organise Rongker so thatpeople can be free from diseases and natural calamities for the entire year. They pray for a good harvest too. The women are not allowed to enter the worship arena during this festival.
On the other hand, Chomangkan is the festival dedicated to the dead. It is primarily a death ceremony. There is no particular time for holding this funeral ceremony. It depends upon the convenience of the locality. This festival is a must for every Karbi. It is a nonstop four days and four nights celebration.
Ali-Ai-Ligang, the spring festival of the Mishing Tribe is the most colourful festival held every year on the first Wednesday (Ligange lange) of the month of 'Ginmur Polo' (February-March). 'Ali' means root, seed; 'Ai' means fruit and 'Ligang' means sow. That is why 'ceremonial' sowing of paddy starts on this day. A dance is performed by the young boys and girls, characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flapping of hands and swaying of hips reflecting youthful passion, reproductive urge and joie-de-vivre.
"Poro Aapong" or rice beer, Pork and dried fish is essential for the feast. The festival continues for five days and during this festival certain taboos with respect to the cutting of trees, fishing, ploughing, burning jungles etc. are strictly observed.
Baikho There is another colourful tribe in Assam, known as Rabhas. Although the Rabha community does not have any national festival of their own, the different groups celebrate their own festivals. The 'Baikho' or the Springtime festival is only celebrated to propitiate the goddess of wealth 'Baikho'. But unfortunately the pomp and grandeur of Baikho are not to be seen nowadays in the villages.
Dosa Thoi! Long Nai This is a very important religious dance performed at the 'Bathou Puja' or worshipping of God-Shiva. In this dance the priestess called Deodini dances with a bowl of blood of a sacrificed fowl on her head. It is believed that while the Deodini performs this dance in a trance, Lord Bathou (Shiva) will snatch away the bowl and drink the blood.
Arts & Crafts
The people of Assam have traditionally been craftsmen from time immemorial.Though Assam is mostly known for its exquisite silks and the bamboo and caneproducts, several other crafts are also made here.
Cane and Bamboo Cane and bamboo have remained inseparable parts of life in Assam. They happen to be the two most commonly-used items in daily life, ranging from household implements to construction of dwelling houses to weaving accessories to musical instruments.
The Jap
Cane and bamboo furnitures on the other hand have been a hit both in the domestic as well as the export market, while paati, the traditional mat has found its way into the world of interior decoration.
Metal Crafts
Bell-metal and brass have been the most commonly
used metals for the Assamese
The entire population of two townships near Guwahati - Hajo and Sarthebari, are engaged in producing traditional bell-metal and brass articles. They have also usedtheir innovative skills to design modern day articles to compete with the changing times.
Gold, silver and copper too form a part of traditional metal craft in Assam and the State Museum in Guwahati has a rich collection of items made of these metals. Gold however is now used only for ornaments.
Handlooms Assam is the home of several types of silks, the most prominent and prestigious being muga, the golden silk exclusive only to this state. Muga apart, there is paat, as also eri, the latter being used in manufacture of warm clothes for winter.Of a naturally rich golden colour, muga is the finest of India's wild silks. It is produced only in Assam.
The traditional handloom silks still hold their own in world markets They score over factory-made silks in the richness of their textures and designs, in their individuality, character and classic beauty. No two handwoven silks are exactly alike. Personality of the weaver, her hereditary skill, her innate sense of colour and balance all help to create a unique product.
Today, India exports a wide variety of silks to
western Europe and the United States, especially as exclusive furnishing
The Tribals on the other hand have a wide variety of colourful costumes, some of which have earned International repute through the export market. Weaving in Assam is so replete with artistic sensibility and so intimately linked to folk life that Gandhiji, during his famous tour to promote khadi and swadeshi, was so moved that he remarked : "Assamese women weave fairy tales in their clothes!"
Toys The toys of Assam have been broadly classified under four heads : (i) clay toys, (ii) pith, (iii) wooden and bamboo toys, and (iv) cloth and cloth-and-mud toys.
While the human figure, especially dolls, brides and grooms, is the most common theme of all kinds of toys, a variety of animals forms have also dominated the clay-toys scene of Assam. Clay traditionally made by the Kumar and Hira communities, have often depicted different animals too, while gods, goddesses and other mythological figures also find importance in the work of traditional artist. Pith or Indian cork has also been used for toy-making since centuries in Assam. Such toys are chiefly made in the Goalpara region and they include figures of gods, animals and birds, the last of which again dominate the over-all output. Wood and bamboo on the other hand have been in use for making toys for several centuries , and like the other mediums, come as birds, animals and human figures.
Toys of cloth as also with a mixture of cloth and mud too have constituted part of the rich Assamese toy-making tradition. While the art of making cloth toys have been traditionally handed down from mother to daughter in every household, the cloth-and-mud toys are generally used for puppet theatres. Among the household toys, the bride and the groom are the most common characters, while the other varieties have animals and mythological characters as the plays demand.
Pottery
The Kumars and Hiras are two traditional potter
communities of Assam and while the Kumars use the wheel to produce his pots, the
Hiras are probably the only potters in the world who do not use the wheel at
all. Again, among the Hiras, only the womenfolk are
The most commonly-used pottery products include earthern pots and pitchers, plates, incense-stick holders, earthern lamps etc, while modern-day decoratives have also found place in their latest designs.
Woodcraft Assam has always remained one of the most forest-covered states of the country, and the variety of wood and timber available here have formed a part of the people's culture and ecomony.
An Assamese can identify the timber by touching it even in darkness, and can produce a series of items from it. While decorative panels in the royal Ahom palaces of the past and the 600-years old satras or Vaishnative monasteries are intricately carved on wood, a special class of people who excelled in wood carving came to be known as Khanikar , a surname proudly passed down from generation to generation.
The various articles in a satra and naam-ghar(place of worship) are stiff cut on wood, depicting the guru asana (pedestal of the lords), apart from various kinds of birds and animals figuring in mythology.
Modern-day Khanikar have taken to producing articles
of commercial values, including figures of one-horned rhino and replicas of the
world-famous Kamakhya temple - two items heading the list of demands of a
visitor from outside.
Masks With tribal art and folk elements form the base of Assamese culture, masks havefound an important place in the cultural activities of the people. Masks have been widely used in folk theatres and bhaonas with the materials ranging from terracotta to pith to metal, bamboo and wood.
Similarly, among the tribals too, the use of masks is varied and widespread, especially in their colourful dances which again revolve chiefly around thier typical tribal myth and folklore. Such traditional masks have of late found thier way to the modern-day drawing rooms as decorative items and wall-hangings, thus providing self-employment opportunities to those who have been traditionally making them.
Jewellery
Gold has always constituted the most-used metal for
jewellery in Assam, while the use of silver and other metals too have been there
for centuries.
Jorhat in Upper Assam is one place where thetraditional Assamese form of manufacture of jewellery is still in vogue, and people flock to Jorhat to get the exquisite Assamese jewellery. Assamese jewellery include the doog-doogi, loka-paro, bana, gaam-kharu, gal-pata, jon-biri, dhol-biri and keru, all of which have also encouraged the modern jewellers to producing similiar designs mechanically.
Terracotta as a medium has dominated the handicraft scene of Assam since time immemorial. The tradition itself has been handed down from the generation to generation without break. Today we have the descendent of such families engaged in improvised terracotta versions of various common figures of gods and goddesses to mythological characters, while toys, vases, etc have also found a new life.
Traditional Paintings The tradition of paintings in Assam can be traced back to several centuries in the past. Ahom palaces and satras and naam-ghar etc still abound in brightly-coloured paintings depicting various stories and events from history and mythology. In fact, the motifs and designs contained in Chitra-Bhagavata have come to become a traditional style for Assamese painters of the later period, and are still in practice today.
Places of Interest
Assam is dominated by the mighty Brahmaputra river
that has its origins in Tibet.
Assam, as a destination
corresponds to a world of contrasts and excitement with each place of the state
having something amazing to offer. Some people call it a magic land while others
call it a green paradise.
Guwahati and its surroundings
Hugging the shores of the
turbulent Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the gateway to the enchanting North Eastern
India. The Light of the East, Pragjyotishpura, as it was known once upon a time,
is said to have been a vast kingdom during the epic period of the Mahabharata.
Today, Guwahati is the hub of the region and also its largest city.
Straddling either banks of the river Brahmaputra is the busy, bustling and crowded city of Guwahati.
Museum
Assam State Museum is 10
minutes walk from the Railway Station.
State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden Situated 5 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station. Opening hours: 07:00 hrs. - 17:00 hrs. in Summer 08:00 hrs. - 16:30 hrs. in Winter (Friday closed)
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra
The Srimanta Sankardeva
kalakshetra has been set up as a grand exposition of the life and culture of the
people of Assam. Named after the greatest Vaishnava saint and the greatest
integrator of the Assamese society Srimanta
A grand exposition of the culture and life of people of Assam. It is a multi-arts complex which has been chosen as a venue for many cultural shows.
It houses a Central Museum where cultural objects and day-to-day articles used by different ethnic groups will be preserved and exhibited, an Open Air Theatre with 2000 capacity to hold folk festivals and to present traditional dance and drama of the State, an Artists' Village which offers the visitors and the residents an atmosphere of the village of Assam, the Sahitya Bhavan which is a library of rare books and manuscripts, the Lalit-Kala Bhavan which has sufficient space for exhibition, art and sculpture workshops, and a Heritage Park. The Kalakshetra has been chosen as the venue for many cultural activities.
Other Attractions around Guwahati:
Dighalipukhuri, a water body in the heart of
the city with boating facilities, cruises on the river Brahmaputra in the 'Jolporee',
the famous Balaji Temple of Tirupati,Planetarium, the Saraighat Bridge over the
Brahmaputra, the Guwahati Oil Refinery, Lachit Barphukan Park and the Guwahati
University are places worth visiting.
A water body in the heart of Guwahati which has boating facilities and recreational activities.
Chandubi Lake A natural lagoon and fine picnic spot which is 64 kms. from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings is an ideal holiday resort with the added attraction of fishing and rowing. The place is easily accessible by bus from Guwahati.The best season to visit is from November to April.
Sualkuchi Assam produces three unique varieties of silks, the Golden Muga, the White Pat and the warm Eri. Silks grown all over the state find their way to Sualkuchi, 32 kms from Guwahati.
Sualkuchi is one of the world's largest weaving villages often called the Manchester of the East. The entire population here is engaged in weaving exquisite silf fabrics. A renowned centre of silk production, particularly known for Muga - the golden silk of Assam which is not produced anywhere else in the world.
Hajo
Located 32 kms. from Guwahati
on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, it is a place where three religions meet -
Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism.
According to mythology, the Pandavas had taken
shelter in this region during their agyatvas or the period in hiding. One can
see the stone bowl used by Bhima during this agyatvas.
Majuli Assam is famous for Majuli, the world's largest river island. Majuli situated in the midst of river Brahmaputra, is the centre of Vishnava culture.
There are over fifteen Vaishnava monasteries or satras on Majuli. The major satras are Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari, Auniati, Garmur, Samoguri, Dakhinpat and Bengenaati. These satras are regarded as the main centres for Assamese art, music, dance, drama, handicrafts, literature and religion etc. Auniati is famous for its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. Upper Majuli is inhabited by tribes like the Mising and the Deoris and is the centre of a living heritage of colourful costumes and festivals. Plenty of migratory birds of great varieties are also seen here.
Majuli, world's largest river island is home to the seat of Vaishnavite culture in Assam.
Sibsagar
Sibsagar is 369 kms. towards the east of Guwahati and is the
headquarters of a district of the same name. It is also a leading tea and oil
producing district. The Eastern Regional Headquarter of the Oil and
Natural Gas Commission is located at Nazira, 18 kms. from Sibsagar. Modern
Sibsagar is a fast developing town.
The highest Shiva temple in India, situated in the heart of Sibsagar, which was the capital of the Ahom dynasty.
Haflong
Up in the rugged terrains
stands Assam's only hill station, Haflong, where one can see the rainbow down
below. It is the district Headquarters of North Cachar Hills. A typical landscape of Assam. Jatinga 9 kms. from Haflong, is famous for the unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds 'committing mass suicide'. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it becomes the Orinthologists attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down. Season to visit is from August to April.
Other attractions include exciting trekking in Borail Hills, watching the traditional dances of the Tribals and a visit to the Orchid Garden.
Digboi Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil town. A hundred year old Refinery and it's hundred and twelve year old oil field still exist here. The Digboi Refinery came into being in 1901 as the first refinery of Asia and as the second one in the world. Today, the oil field and refinery are the oldest continuing oil field and refinery in the world.
There is also a War Cemetry and Golf Course in Digboi.
Tezpur Tezpur, known as Sonitpur (city of blood) of Puranic fame, is associated with the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. The great mythological war believed to have been fought between Hari(Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva) and as a result the whole city was said to have been drenched in blood, hence the name. Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town is of magnificient scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the headquarters of Sonitpur district and is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state.
Undulated green valleys surrounded by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks of the Himalayas as the northern backdrop, lush green tea gardens and magnificient archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight. Her contribution to art, culture, literature particularly her contribution to the freedom struggle have earned for Tezpur a unique niche in the history of Assam.
In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolour (Indian flag) was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a quiet mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen year old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.
Attractions around Tezpur: Bamuni Hills The ruins of Bamuni hill is famous for its artistic beauty. The sculpture remains which dates back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. now lie in the Cole park and Missionary compound.
The Hazara Pukhuri The large tank preserves the name Harzara Varman in Tezpur. It was excavated in the early part of the 19th century. This is the third largest tank covering an area of 70 acres.
Cole Park It is one of the most beautiful places in the town. The park which was first established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr Cole, is the place for peace loving people. Here one can see the two massive ornamental stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the famous Bamuni Hills.
One of the attractions of Tezpur town. This park was first established by a British commissioner, Mr. Cole.
Bhalukpung Surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forests, Bhalukpung is situated on the bank of the river Jia Bharali. It is only 64 kms. from Tezpur and is on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is famous for its unique natural beauty, angling and rafting. Far from the madding crowd Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquility.It is only 56 kms from Tezpur town.
Other attractions of Bhalukpung are a hot spring and an Eco-Camp at Potasil.
Diphu This hilly town is the headquarters of the Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. The indigenous tribe of karbi Anglong, the Karbis, are well known for their hospitality and colourful culture.
Bhomoraguri
A 3.05 km bridge over Brahmaputra named after the great Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan.
Temples & Monuments
The Shakti temple of Mother Goddess Kamakhaya, the greatest shrine of tantric shaktism. Nestled in the Brahmaputra valley this state has Tantrik Shaktism, Shivaism and later Vaishnavism flourishing in its laps. From time to time people from different races, religion and culture have migrated to this place.
The Mohmmedan invasions brought Islam into the state. Sikhism flourished here, Buddhist communities have kept the flag of Buddhism flying high. The famous Gurudwara at Dhubri established by the ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur is held in the high veneration by the sikhs throughout the country.
With the advent of new faith & religion many temples and monuments were built all over Assam. Most of these architectural graduers belong to the medieval period and represent the architectural style of the Koch, Kachari and Ahom royal courts. These temples and monuments, spread almost all over Assam, bear silent witness to a glorious past.
Temples & Monuments in and around Guwahati The Shakti Temple of mother Goddess Kamakhya situated on the top of Nilachal Hills, overlooking river Brahmaputra, is 8 Km. away from the railway station of Guwahati.
The greatest shrine of tantric Shaktism find mention in the inscription of the Allahabad pillar of Samudragupta. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place during Ambubashi and Manasha Puja. City buses ply regularly to Kamakhya. It can be easily reached by auto-rickshaw as well.
Nabagraha Temple The temple of nine planets situated on Chitra Chal Hill in Guwahati. It is 3 km away from the Railway Station. In ancient times, it was said to have been a great centre of study of astronomy and astrology. This is also one of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the city of eastern Astrology. It can be approached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
The temple of nine planets believed to be the ancient seat of study of Astronomy.
The great Shiva temple situated on the Peacock island in the middle of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over the country during Shiva Ratri. One can visit the temple by crossing the river by country boat plying from Kachari ghat. On the north bank of the Brahmaputra, opposite Guwahati, where the third Pandava Arjun is believed to have watered his horse while undertaking journey during Ashwamedh Yajna. Regular ferry services are available to this place.
Basisthashram
Situated in the southern-most rim of Guwahati city
on the Sandhyachal hill is a well known holy cum picnic spot, called
Basisthashram, after the great vedic Sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived
here. Three rivulets named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow
perenially adding scenic grandeur to the place. It is 12 Kms. from the
Guwahati Railway Station. City buses ply regularly to the Ashram. An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. A place of pilgrimage.
This Shiva temple is regarded as the oldest Shiva shrine where thousands converge on "Shiv Ratri".
Madan Kamdev Barely 40 kms. away from the sprawling metropolis Guwahati, on N.H. 52 Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayam, "a veil past which I could not see". Very little is known about the origin of this magnificient archaeological ruins.Written history is almost silent on it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis.
Very little is known about this archaeological ruins, making it a mystery.
Kamrupa - the ancient
name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend that love
God Kama or Madan, after being turned into ashes by an angry Shiva, was reborn
here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united to Rati on this
tiny hillock. The season to visit is from October to May.
The Institution of Satra is a unique feature of
Vaishnavism in Assam, founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture.
In 15th century the first Satra was founded in Majuli. Since then sixty five Satras have come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. However, at present there are only twenty two Satras in Majuli. The others had to be shifted to safer places due to the devastation of flood and erosion.
The main existing Satras are:
Dakhinpat Satra: Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. During Rasotsava several thousand devotees visit these holy Satras every year.
Garamurh Satra: Founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of Autumn, traditional Raasleela (co-acting) is shown with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons called "Bortop" (canons) are preserved here.
Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara Dance and also its considerable collection of Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
Kamalabari Satra: Founded by Bedulapadma, it is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies. It's branch, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, has showcased the Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.
Bengenaati Satra: It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grand son of Sankardeva's step mother founded this Satra.
Shamaguri Satra: The satra is home to famous Mask crafts.
Batadrawa Satra: It is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardev,a Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 kms. from Guwahati and about 15 kms. from Nagaon town.
Barpeta Satra and Kirtanghar : This famous Shrine and Kirtanghara attracts Vaishanavas from all over India. It was established by Madhadeva, the greatest discipleof Shankardeva.
There is also a mosque built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia and is held that it has one-fourth sanctity of Mecca and so it is known as Poa-Mecca. It is believed that by offering prayer a faithful gains one-fourth (poa) spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca and so is known as Poa-Mecca.
Poa-Mecca is believed to have one-fourth the sanctity of Mecca, a place of pilgrimage for the Muslims.
Temples & Monuments in and around Tezpur
The ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia Temple a few kms. from Tezpur town,
is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in
Assam. It's carving has the characteristics of the style of early Gupta School
of sculpture. The door-jambs having two goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing
below with garlands in their hands in artistic pose and elegance are decorated
with beautiful ornamental foliage.
Preserving the sweet memory of young lovers, Agnigarh is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Tezpur.
Agnigarh "Preserving the sweet memory of young lovers", Agnigarh or the rampart, surrounded by fire, is perhaps the most beautiful tourist spots in Tezpur. According to legend, Princess Usha, the only daughter of King Bana, was kept inside the palace which was surrounded by rampart of fire. The present Agnigarh, now only a hillock facing the mighty Brahmaputra, provides the tourist a soul touching panoramic view of both the river and Tezpur town.
Adventure Sports
One of the world's largest rivers, the Brahmaputra and it's tributaries flow through the state offering a wide network of rivers for various water sports.
ANGLING The river Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are the best places for angling. The Jia Bhoroli river is home to the fierce game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger of the Himalayan rivers. Famous for its golden Mahseer, an annual Angling competition is held regularly at Jia Bharali.
An annual Angling competition is regularly held at Jia Bhoroli where a number of anglers both from outside the state as well as abroad participate every year. Angling is so popular a sport here that there is an organised body by the name 'Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association' which organises this sport in the month of November every year in collaboration with the State Forest Department. Eco Camp situated at the fringes of the Nameri National Park is an avid camper's ideal getaway.
Eco Camp, Situated in the fringes of Nameri National Park is an ideal camping site with all modern amenitites
RIVER CRUISE The turbulent rivers, the mystic blue hills, the savage terrains and serene countryside beckon the adventurers to Assam. Challenge the Brahmaputra, one of the four largest rivers in the world and cruise down the mystic river from Ninging to Dhubri.
BOAT RACING Boat racing is a very popular sport of the state. People very often organise boat racing during festive occasions at places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati etc. The involvement of the masses in this sport can be compared with the snake-boat racing in Kerala.
RIVER RAFTING
The mighty river Brahmaputra and its turbulent
tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhoroli and Kapili offer immense scope for River
Rafting. The fiery rapids in these rivers fuel the spirit of adventure in you.
GOLF Most of the tea gardens of Assam have golf courses attached to them. All of them are 9 hole golf courses except for Digboi which is an eighteen hole course. Assam has 21 golf courses. Most of these are run by the tea estates and have air strips attached to them. Golf courses in Assam A stay in the tea garden, playing golf and driving through tea country is an unforgettable experience.
Assam's topography makes her an ideal destination
for trekkers, mountaineers and rock climbers. The hills, in particular, the
North Cachar Hills and Karbi Hills are ready to receive tourists for trekking
and mountaineering.There is a recognized trekking route in both the districts.
There is also a rock hill in Morigaon District known
as "Elephant Rocks" which offer ample scope for Rock Climbing. The Simhasana
Hill of Karbi Anglong is also famous for rock climbing. The main city of Assam,
Guwahati, is surrounded on three sides with beautiful hills. MOUNTAIN BIKING The hilly terrain offers a very good challenge to Mountains Bikers. The Assam Tourism Department in collaboration with The Assam Tourism Development Corporation and other adventure organizations have organized several bicycle and motorbike rallies in and outside the state. Several foreign groups including individual tourists have visited the state for the same.
PARA-SAILING A totally new sport, Para-sailing, has been introduced by Assam Tourist Development Corporation to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The ideal place for Para-sailing near Guwahati is North Guwahati.
HANG GLIDING Hang Gliding also has potential here. The ideal place for Hang Gliding are Kamakhya Hills and hills around Kaziranga.
Wildlife in Assam
Covering an area of 38.8 Sq. km., Pobitora is mainly
famous for its Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros. Other animals such as the
Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild Bear, Civet Cat etc. are also found here. More
than 200 birds and various reptiles are found in this sanctuary. Districts of Assam
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......the
rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the gateway to the
north eastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra river that has its origins
in Tibet charts its majestic course through this state. This mystic land of
eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora
and fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of
wildlife on the verge of extinction. Barring Africa, there is perhaps no part
of the world where such a variety of wildlife exists. 
Wild Life Sanctuary where the rare one-horned rhinoceros
roams at will, silks such as paat and muga
which rank amongst the finest in the world, the State’s tea which finds its way
to millions of homes all over the globe, and the Shrine of Kamakhya
which draws thousands of devotees every year.
Bihu
Baishagu
pi,
the traditional sunshade continues to be the most prestigious of bamboo items of
the state, and it has been in use since the days when the great Chinese
traveller Hiuen Tsang came to Assam that visitors are welcomed with a jaapi.
artisan. Traditional utensils and fancy artiicles designed by these artisans are
found inevery Assamese household. The Xorai and bota have in use for centuries,
to offer betel-nut and paan while welcoming distinguished guests. 
The
women of Assam weave fairy tales in their looms. Skill to weave was the primary
qualification of a young girl for her eligibility for marriage. This perhaps
explains why Assam has the largest concentration of Handlooms and weavers in
India. One of the world's finest artistic traditions finds expression in their
exquisitely woven 'Eri', 'Muga' and 'Pat' fabrics. 
fabrics. Boutiques and fashion houses, designers and interior decorators have
the advantage of getting custom-woven fabrics in thedesigns, weaves and colours
of their choice. A service that ensures an exclusive product not easily
repeatable by competitors. 
Pottery
is probably as old as human civilisation itself. In Assam, pottery can be traced
back to many centuries. 
engaged in pottery work, while their men help them in procuring the raw
materials and selling the wares. 
Gold
was locally available, flowing down several Himalayan rivers, of which Subansiri
is the most important. In fact, a particular tribe of people, the Sonowal
Kacharis were engaged only for gold-washing in these rivers. 
Terracotta
The
mighty Brahmaputra and its turbulent tributaries are excellent for rafting.
National
Parks:
National
Parks. It is situated on the bank of the river Manas at
the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a well known World heritage site with it's
unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife. 
sanctuary is grassland. The animals seen in this sanctuary are the One-horned
Rhinoceros, Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Tiger, varieties of water
birds, Green Pigeon, Florican, Teal , Goose, etc. 
t
view of both scenery and wildlife. The sanctuary is home to Elephants, Indian
Bison, Deer and a variety of hill birds.
Bordoibum
Beelmukh Bird Sanctuary(Proposed)
