Majuli or Majoli is a fluvial island in the Brahmaputra river, in the Indian state of Assam. Majuli is the one of the largests riverine islands in the world and the largest freshwater island in South Asia. Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada is actually the largest freshwater island in the world. Majuli had a total area of 1,250 square kilometers (482.6 sq mi), but now having lost significantly to erosion it has an area of only 650 square kilometers (251.0 sq mi).

The island is formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri river in the north. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city — Guwahati, and is accessible by ferries from the town of Jorhat. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Majoli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.

Ecosystem

A wetland, Majuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are the Greater Adjutant Stork, Pelican, Siberian Crane and the Whistling Teal. After dark wild geese and ducks fly in flocks to distant destinations. The island is almost pollution free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall.

The island is under threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighbouring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the monsoon season when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area. According to reports, in 1853, the total area of Majuli was 1,150 km² and about 33% of this landmass has been eroded in the latter half of 20th century. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15–20 years from now, Majuli would cease to exist.

To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned Rs 250 crores (US $ 55 million) for the protection of the isle. A petition has been sent to the UNESCO for the declaration of Majuli to be a world natural heritage site and furthermore make it a world cultural heritage site.

Tourist interests

Majuli is situated at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides.

On the north-bank is the river Subansiri and on the South bank, the mighty Brahmaputra has excided the island from the main land. Lakhimpur town is to the North and Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east is Dibrugarh District.

The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva
The colourful culture of the tribes
Migratory birds
The Ali-ai-ligang festival in Feb-March
Pottery making
Mask making
Paal Namm festival in the end of winter
The sunset in winter
Exotic homespun masks crafts