The Incredible Destination : Assam

Assam, the gateway to the NorthEastern part of India, is popularly known as land of blue hills and red river. Situated in between 24° N & 28° N latitude and 90° E & 96° E longitude, its capital is Dispur, which is located at Guwahati. A state of breathtaking natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, might waterways, Assam is located in the south of the eastern Himalayas

It is labelled as one of the seven sister states and surrounded by other six states- Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura. Covering total area of 78438 square kms., the state has 3 principal regions- the Barak Valley in the South, the Brahmaputra Valley in the North and the Barail Range of hills in the south-west. Its official language is Assamese.

Its History : The word Assam is derived from Sanskrit word asoma which means “unparalleled” or “peerless” land. Assam finds special place in mythological epics like Mahabharata. During Mahabharata age, it was known as Pragjyoitsh Rajya and considered as centre of culture of astrology. Pragjyotishpur (which is currently known as Guwahati) was its capital. The state came to known as Kamaroopa (Kama-Kamadeva, Roopa- Bodily image) because the God of Love, Kamadeva has regained his bodily image in this state. He was being cursed by the Lord Shiva and reduced to ashes. It was in the mid of 13th century Kamaroopa got its new name Asom (Assam), which was derived from Ahom conquerors, who had discovered Brahmaputra valley in 1228 A.D.

Beauty of Assam (Sonitpur) – by Vikramjit Kakati

Its Culture : Diverse cultures are found in this mystical land. It is being inhabited by people of diverse culture and race such as Monogloid, Indo-Burmese, Aryan and Indo-Iranian. The natives of the state are popularly known as Asomiya. The major population of the state belongs to following tribes- Bodos, Ahoms, Dimasas, Chutiyas, Misings, Manipuris, Kacharis, Rabhas, etc. Other religions like Hindus, Muslims, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc., are also practised in the state.

Fairs and Festivals :Assam is regarded as colourful land of fairs and festivals, which symbolize the spirit of togetherness and accommodation. The major festivals celebrated in the state with pomp and glory are Bihu, Baikho, Baishagu, Rongker, Bohaggiyo Bishu, Jonbill Mela, Ambubashi Mela, Rajini Gabra Harni Gabra, Ali-Ai-Ligang and many more. Other festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Idd, Muharram, Saraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, etc., are also celebrated by the local people.

The state’s tribal have their own festivals. For instance, Bodos celebrate the Kherai Puja, Mishing tribe celebrates Ali-ai-ligang and Parag, Rabhas celebrate Baikhu and Pharkantis and so on.

Places of Interests :Though, the state has remained the least explored destination of India, it has so much to offer to its every kind of tourist- be it natural beauty admirer of wildlife lover. Some of the main places of interests in the state are temples and monuments, national heritage accredited wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens and water sports activities like river rafting, boat racing, golfing, etc., near the Brahmaputra river.

So, come and explore the land of diverse tribes, festivals and explore amazing destinations which have something special to offer to its visitors.