Assam's history goes back to ancient times. The base of this history can be found in Tantric literature, Buddhist literature, Assamese folklore and Vedic literature. However, first mention of the state of Assam is found in the epics and the religious legends. The Aryans belonging to the priestly and warrior classes found their way into Assam in very early times. Various places mentioned in the epics, like Mahabharata etc. are now identified with sites in this state.
Entry Formalities
No permit is required by domestic as well as foreign tourists to visit Assam. However, foreign tourists must have an Indian Visa.
Industry In Assam
Assam is industrially backward by Indian standards as it has a few agro-based and mineral-based industries, and a rich source of natural resources.
- Tea - Of the agriculture-based industries, tea occupies an important place in Assam. For a better marketing of the tea produced in Assam and the entire North Eastern States, a Tea Auction Centre - Guwahati Tea Auction Centre - was established in 1970 at Guwahati. It now auctions more than 150 million kg of tea valued at more than Rs 550.00 crores annually. Tea industry has contributed substantially to the economy of Assam. About 17 percent of the workers of Assam are engaged in the tea industry. There are about 845 tea gardens in Assam, creating enough scope for employment and contributing directly to the national economy. Assam produces 51% of the tea produced in India and about 1/6th of the tea produced in the world.
- Oil - Assam is the first state in the country where in 1889 oil was struck at Digboi. Assam can boast of having the oldest oil refinery in the country.
- Natural Gas - In Assam, almost all the petroleum producing areas of the Brahmaputra Valley, especially Naharkatia, Moran, Lakuwa and Rudrasagar, contains 'associated natural gas'. The important industries so far built up on the basis of the natural gas of Assam are Namrup Fertilizer Factory, Namrup Thermal Power Project, Production of Carbon Black, Assam Petrochemicals and Assam Gas Company, which provides liquified petroleum gas for domestic use.
- Coal - Assam has large reserves of coal too. The state is said to contain about 1200 million tonnes of coal reserves.
- Granite - Assam is endowed with granites of various colors, ranging from off-white to grey and pink. It is found in central and lower parts of Assam.
- Limestone and Cement - Limestone is an important mineral which is used in the manufacture of cement, as flux in iron and steel production, and as raw materials for chemical industries. Assam’s only large cement factory now produces about 1.8 lakh metric tonnes of cement annually.
- Tourism - Tourism has become an important industry in Assam. Various initiatives are being taken by the Government and other organzsations to promote tourism here. Every year the number of visitors to Assam has been steadily increasing.
- Cottage Industry - Assam was traditionally famous for its cottage industry, especially spinning and weaving. Pat or pure silk production is essentially confined to Assam. Assam produces about 10% of total natural silk of India. Assam also produces Muga, the golden silk. Bell-metal work is a traditional cottage industry of Assam. The normal products of bell-metal are the traditional plates, cups, tumblers, pitchers, bowls, sarais (a tray with a stand), dwarf pitchers, pots, hookahs and musical instruments. Brass-work is also an important traditional handicraft of Assam. Brass articles are produced not only for day-to-day use, but also for interior decoration.
Apart from the above, some other cottage industries have come up in the State. These include ivory work of Barpeta; pottery industry of Hajo, Singimari, Mornoi; bamboo and cane work especially in the hills; goldsmiths, coir industry of Nalbari; hand-made paper industry of Chandkhuchi in Nalbari district; soap making in almost all important towns of the State and so on.
Festivals & Colors of Assam
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 of accommodation 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 lifestyle 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.
Brahmaputra Beach Festival - Coinciding with Magh Bihu, the Assamese harvest festival, this event offers you a scintillating outdoor experience. Held on the beautiful, white beaches of the river Brahmaputra, it is a perfect blend of traditional contests like elephant race, kite flying and modern adventure sports like wind surfing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, para-dropping, hot air ballooning, beach volleyball and beach cricket.
Patkai Festival - This festival in eastern Assam derives its name from the lofty Patkai range and the playful Dehing river. It is a heady cocktail of ethnic fairs, golfing, tea heritage tours, adventures sports, wildlife excursion and down-memory-lane trips to World War II cemeteries and the Stilwell Road, once the passage to the golden land of Myanmar. It is organized in the month of January every year.
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.
Elephant Festival - For conservation and protection of the Asiatic elephant a festival is organized every year at Kaziranga National Park jointly by the Forest Department and Tourism Department, Government of Assam. The festival includes many activities by domestic elephants and various cultural programs.
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.
Bihu – 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.
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.
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.
Baishagu - 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.
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.
Places to Visit
- The Assam Museum
- The State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
- 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 Sankardeva, the Kalakshetra is a multi-Arts complex.
- Chandubi Lake - A natural lagoon and fine picnic spot 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.
- 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. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by Queen Madambika in 1734 A.D. The Shiva dol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.
- 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.
- Jatinga – Only 9 kms. from Haflong, Jatinga 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. Other attractions include exciting trekking in Borail Hills, watching the traditional dances of the Tribals and a visit to the Orchid Garden.
- 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. A great mythological war is 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 magnificent 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 magnificent archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight.
- 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. 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 mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra is seen here. Almost two centuries later, a bridge over Brahmaputra at the same place has now been completed. The 3.05 km. bridge named after the great Ahom general, connecting Nagaon district with Tezpur was opened for vehicular traffic by the then Prime Minister of India, Late Rajiv Gandhi, in 1987.
- National Parks - Assam boasts of perhaps the largest number of wildlife parks in the country
- Kaziranga National Park
- Manas National Park
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
- Nameri National Park
- Orange (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Kaziranga National Park
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pobha Or Milroy Sanctuary
- Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gorampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Golaghat
- Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
- East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Panidihing Bird Sanctuary, Sibsagar
- Temples & Monuments
- Kamakhya Temple - 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.
- 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.
- Umananda Temple - 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.
- 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.
- Mahabhairab Temple - An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva.
- Satra - The Institution of Satra is a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam, founded by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture. Satras are basically monasteries which propagate neo-Vaishnavism. They also became centers for education and dissemination of the art of harmonious living.
- Poa-Mecca - 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.
Adventure in Assam
One of the world's largest rivers, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries flow through the state offering a wide network of rivers for various water sports, such as:
- 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. 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.
- 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 organize boat racing during festive occasions at places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati etc.
- River Rafting - The mighty river Brahmaputra and its turbulent tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhoroli and Kapili offer immense scope for River Rafting.
- 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.
Reaching Assam
By Air - The Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is well connected by air to most of the metros in the country.
By Train - Assam is well connected by train with the rest of the country. There are train services from Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
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.
River Brahmaputra-the Guiding Force
The mighty Brahmaputra flowing majestically along, brilliant with vast expanses of silvery sand against the azure sky in winter and awe-inspiring with its deluge-causing turbulance in the rainy months.
Breathtaking view of Bhalukpung
Nature has ungrudgingly blessed Assam with an abundance of scenic grandeur. Few other places in India look as fresh and vibrant as Assam with so much of cool and soothing, lush and luring.
