The fresh smell of greens is something very enchanting to humankind. Having a place where we can create a space of living greens is a dream for many individual. What better way to refresh our mind and eyes with the beauty of flora. The mother nature has its own way of dwelling things in the environment. Humankind with its creative mind can create magic in a space with luscious greens and aromatic florals. Home gardening is the art of cultivation of plants, fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers of the personal utility of an individual with the idea of ecological sustainability. It is a skill which needs a constant dedication of labour and care towards the nourishment of plants for a beautiful garden to flourish. Home gardening is a therapy for people who have fetish over plants and this can be quite a therapeutic process for dealing stress due to the continuous hustle of the busy life. One can totally feel the utter joy and ecstatic of the blooms of their own home garden.
Let us understand the different ways of achieving a home gardening, be it in a traditional way of an outer space with gardens and lawns or in a modern way where we fit into the small cozy area of our balconies and the terrace for our plantation.
The Traditional Understanding of Home Gardening
The people who are fortunate enough to have inherited a bigger space always believe in making the best use of the land with separate gardening for its kind. The one area shall be dedicated for the decorative flowers with lawns and sitting space which are pleasing to our eyes and a good space for enjoying the morning breakfast to the evening tea. The other area is often used for the kitchen garden which is very resourceful and sustainable at the same time. Kitchen garden have always been considered a part of our culture. The mother nature has been kind enough to humans for providing food to the humankind.
Balcony gardening into a home garden is the solution of the modern world where the population is expanding and with the new advancement of technology, home gardening has devolved with many varieties of technique of planting and growing. The modern way of understanding and adjusting in the gardening field has developed new ways of gardening.
The idea of gardening in the balconies and indoor plants have evolved in a broader manner. People have innovated new ideas and ways to cope up with the space of apartments where the area is limited to a certain extend. The balconies are beautifully curated with hanging plants and creepers which are one of the best ways to have a beautiful home garden. Succulents are one type of plant which needs less water and also durable and occupies less space in the balcony.
Indoor plants are one such part of the home décor which is very appealing and brings an aesthetic vibe. There are few plants for indoors, some of them are the snake plants, spider plant, peace lily, ZZ plant, pothos. These are few of the many which are easily accessible and available in our local markets. The above-mentioned plants are easy to handle which can sustain on low light. One can definitely try to do the basic need of watering them and moving them to the sunlight once a week for some fresh air. Plants do need fresh air for their sustenance which a beginner of home gardening must prioritise and understand about plants. Indoor plants not only bring a charm and an exquisite view of the space but also has its own benefits.
Terrace gardening is another form of gardening which is most commonly found in today’s home gardening. This type of gardening not only gives a mesmerising beauty to the landscape but also provides a cooler temperature to the house or the building and helps in reducing the pollution alongside with the benefits of producing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Most of the upcoming construction companies are providing such type of terrace or roof gardening for an ecofriendly environment which shall be beneficial for the nature and also add a beautification to the entire space.
Home Gardening Therapy
Gardening can be a relaxing process which calms and restores our mind from the stressful life. It provides a therapy which helps us in connecting with the nature and also keeps us grounded to our roots. It offers an advantage of both physical and psychological benefits. Gardening helps us in keeping up with our physical activities where our labour marks as a benchmark for the final output of the plants into healthy greens. It impacts on the psychological benefits which help us in developing out concentration level, our rest quality, and also, it helps in increasing our abilities of being innovative and active. In the initial days as a beginner, one must find it exhausting and time consuming but once a person masters the key element of gardening; they tend to enjoy the process and after effects of it. This is just what the nature does, just like the saying in a positive manner, “you reap what you sow.” The gardening at times might be a time-consuming process which needs patience and some bit of expenses but once we crack the deal, we know the procedure where we can propagate the plants and create our own nursery of plants.
Conclusion
Winding-up with the quote by Louise Beebe Wilder, “In his garden, every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation.” It is us who can create our safe haven, a space where we create our gardening skills with indefinite varieties of flowers and plants to please one’s own eyes and their soul. It is something which an individual does for their sake of happiness or satisfaction of the beauty of the garden. Gardening is a never-ending process which once developed cannot be undone for a lifetime just like Elizabeth Lawrence quoted, “The garden year has no beginning and no end.”
Having true friends is one of the purest feelings to relish for lifetime. Friends are always considered to be the backbone and supporting pillars of an individual. Presenting you a few friendship day ideas to celebrate and cherish and to show gratitude towards our friends and appreciate their presence in our lives.
Friendship day is one of the special occasions to celebrate the friendship universally. United Nations has declared 30th July as the International Friendship Day. In India, friendship day is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of August. Friendship Day was first proposed by Joyce Hall in 1919. This notion of celebrating and dedicating a day in the name of friendship gained its regards in 1930s. Later, in 1958 the occasion was declared as an International Friendship Day to be observed every year.
Friendship Day Ideas
Every year this day is celebrated with much enjoyment and joy thus people often find new ideas for the day to be celebrated with great enthusiasm. Here are some of the active and interesting events that can be done this friendship day.
Some of the few fun loving activities for the day.
DIY friendship band making
Capturing the moments
A Rendezvous with the Best friends
Picnic day
A short trip
Movie marathon night
Friendship Day Idea One – DIY Friendship Band Making
The making of crafts is an amusing task where one can put their innovative ideas and creation to it. The DIY bands mark as a special gift which is hand-made and shows our sincere effort for our dear ones. The activity itself is a creative task which brings our friends together and helps us to spend the time with each other making and creating memories together. The bonding created together over the span of time weaving and crafting the bands let us acknowledge and realize the comfort space that we share with our friends.The DIY bands have its varieties, the most common and easy one is the braided bands which can be made of colorful threads or yarns or ribbons. Other variety of friendship bands are the beaded friendship bands, macramé friendship bands, knot bands, charm bracelets and beads bracelets. These are the bands that we exchange with our friends along with cards and other gifts to celebrate the friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Two – Capturing the Moments
In the technologically advanced world, it is very easy for us to seize a special moment. We like to capture our happy moments in forms of photos and videos. It has become a trend to post our photos in the social media of our special occasion. You may like to make reels and shorts for the social media content on friendship day. Taking selfies along with our friends in the most Instagram able place is an engaging activity which shall make your day a happy going one. Meeting up old friends and creating memories with them with the collection of memories is a reflection which can be stored with us for a lifetime.
friendship Day Idea Three – A Rendezvous with The Best Friends
Dates are the most common way to celebrate a friendship day which can never go wrong at any time in the planning of a special occasion. Arranging dinner parties and lunch dates are the perfect way to have a have meal and time with our close buddies. We can also add themes and color combination to add a charm to the day to make it memorable and special. Dinner parties can be done in both ways depending on the preferences of your preferences and wants. This friendship day you can visit the most trending places in Guwahati like the Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, the Bougainvillea Resort and Spa, Starbucks, McDonald’s or Go Karting for some exciting and carefree day. At the end, a good meal in a good place with your good friends is the most cherishing memoirs that can one do for the occasion of friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Four – A Picnic Day
This is one of the most common activities that every individual enjoy. Spending a day out in nature is quite thrilling and wholesome. Getting our favorite delights and snacks for the day and spending the day out in the wild and nature is relaxing with some music and probably a book to read out in the open space. A picnic day is a great chance to eat and enjoy in the open air with our friends on the friendship day. It does not have to be luxurious outing but can be a casual meet up among the friends where they can talk, eat, play games and enjoy the leisure time with each other. It is a simple outlook to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of having some quality time and eating in an open space.
Friendship Day Idea Five – A Short Trip
Planning a short journey to a place can be adventurous and full of amusement with our friends. A planned trip to Shillong, Cherrapunji or to the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary with our best friends can never go wrong. These places are a perfect gateway to chill the weekend with our dear friends and have a relaxing outing and hiking around the areas.The trips can be for a short journey like an hour drive or can be a stay for a day or two. It all depends with the right number of people with whom one can enjoy the company and create a vibe of bonding. Laughing out our lungs by reminiscing old memories with the friends is the best feeling of togetherness and oneness. A day on the road with the group of friends can never have a dull moment and is one of the best ways to spend on the friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Six – Movie Marathon Night
Movies are the medium to recall our old days of younger days. Planning a movie together is kicky way of bringing back our old times with our dear friends. A movie marathon is an event where people watch movies continuously for six hours or more. The movies can be a compilation of the favorite collection of series like “Friends”, “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Four more shots” that we friends can watch together or the individual favorite movie of each of the member of the group of friends. This event of movie marathon can be extended to the night stay with a post dinner scenes to be enjoyed with the dessert.
In the digital world where social media has made a convenient way to keep a touch and connect with our peers, it has also diluted the true essence of bonding and friendship. With the virtual world people have sort of withdrawn themselves from the traditional way of celebrating the friendship day. It is important to put an effort to real life connections and bonding with our friends by spending time and showing honest care and concern of one another. Let us all enjoy our day with the new innovative ideas of appreciating our dear friends in our lives.
As we celebrate the Friendship Day this Sunday, The Protech Group wishes you very Happy Friendship Day to all. Let us all cherish the value and importance of friendship in one’s life to create an unbreakable bond for a bright future together. Here is to the unbreakable bonds of friendship to make this day a brighter and merrier one with our loved best friends.
Assamese cuisine takes great pride in its profound roots, which draw from the region’s local ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural practices. Renowned for its unassuming yet nourishing quality, Assamese cuisine features a lightness that highlights the freshness of ingredients, the seasonality of produce, and the subtleties of regional spices.
Notably, the cuisine incorporates bamboo shoots, fish, and meat in myriad preparations, which are typically complemented by traditional accompaniments such as pitika, khar, and tenga. The evolution of Assamese cuisine has spanned centuries and is celebrated for its distinctive flavours and time-honoured cooking methods.
For an authentic Assamese culinary experience, try a traditional Assamese thali at a reputable restaurant in Guwahati. To help you choose the best restaurant, we have curated a list of the finest dining establishments in Guwahati where you can indulge in authentic Assamese thali.
1. Heritage Khorikaa, Silpukhuri, Guwahati
Heritage Khorikaa is an exceptional establishment that exudes an unmistakable Assamese charm. The genial staff creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. The bamboo with chicken shoots and pork with sesame seeds are highly recommended dishes that you must try. This restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Google Rating: 4
Cuisine Served: Assamese
Website: None
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Address: GNB Road, MRD Rd, behind Goswami Service Station – HP Petrol Pump, Chandmari, Guwahati, Assam 781003
2. Mising Kitchen, Hengrabari Road
Mising Kitchen is a restaurant that serves authentic Mising thalis, as well as Assamese cuisine. The staff is friendly, and the beautiful ambience creates an inviting atmosphere for indulging in their delicious food. Their thalis start from 150 INR, and the pork thali is a top seller, offering ample portions. If you’re in the mood for some authentic Assamese food, Mising Kitchen is definitely worth a visit.
Google Rating: 4.4
Cuisine Served: Mising, Assamese
Website: none
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Address: 1st Floor House No 24, Hengrabari Rd, Near Public Health Chariali, Ganeshguri, Guwahati, Assam 781006
3. Khorikaa, South Sarania, Ulubari
Khorikaa is a casual yet authentic restaurant that offers an experience of Assamese cuisine. The platters are delicious, and the ambience, along with the heartwarming hospitality, make it an ideal spot for spending quality time with loved ones. If you’re looking for some standout dishes, the duck thali and chicken with coconut milk are worth trying. Khorikaa is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Assamese food in a casual setting.
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Address: 1st Floor, Kamal C Plaza, South Sarania, Ulubari, Guwahati, Assam 781007
4. Maihang Ethnic Restaurant, Hengrabari Road
Maihang Ethnic Restaurant has a beautiful Assamese aesthetic that creates a serene and calming atmosphere. The food is delicious, and the staff is cordial and maintains great hygiene. The creamy black rice kheer is a must-try dish. The presentation of the dishes is excellent, making this restaurant a great refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Anyone who wants to experience a taste of Assamese food should check out Maihang Ethnic Restaurant.
Google Rating: 4.2
Cuisine Served: Assamese
Website: None
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Paradise has been a beloved dining spot in Guwahati for nearly four decades, providing a genuine Assamese culinary experience. The star attraction is their lavish thali, starting at 500 INR, which is an indulgent feast for the senses. The thali comprises a plethora of delicacies, including a refreshing welcome drink, steamed rice, Khar, dal, aloo pitika, vegetable fry, pigeon or duck curry, steamed fish in plantain leaves, masor tenga, sides (kahudi, kharoli, and khorisa), and a traditional Assamese dessert with thick cream, puffed rice, jaggery, and local sweets. This thali is the most sought-after item on the menu and offers an array of side dishes to complement the main courses. The charming ambience and hospitable service make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Google Rating: 4.0
Cuisine Served: Assamese
Website: None
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Address: Maniram Dewan Rd, Krishna Nagar, Silphukuri, Guwahati, Assam 781003
6. Kareng The Ahom Kitchen, Beltola Tiniali
Kareng The Ahom Kitchen is a haven for food lovers, offering a wide range of traditional dishes that include chicken, pork, and vegetarian meals. The food is so delicious that it will make you feel like you’re back at home, and the prices are reasonable given the quality and portion sizes. Don’t miss the Kareng style Duck kosha, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Bamboo Heights Multi-Cuisine Restaurant is a North-Eastern cuisine restaurant that specializes in bamboo dishes. With a rating of 4.6/5 stars, the food is authentic, moderately spicy, and has a flavorful aroma. The ambience is reminiscent of bamboo forests in Assam, which adds to the experience. The must-try dish is pigeon curry, and the prices are moderate with well-maintained hygiene.
At Tholgiri Akhol, you can immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Assam. This treasure trove offers traditional musical instruments, ethnic clothing, and ornate trinkets that create an exquisite atmosphere. The Assamese thali, pithas, laru sweets, and coolers are a must-try, served with rustic flair. Despite its modest size, prices are reasonable, and the quality of the cuisine is exceptional.
Google Rating: 4.4
Cuisine Served: Assamese
Website: None
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
Michinga is a highly-regarded restaurant in Guwahati that offers a variety of ethnic thalis. The inviting ambiance and delectable dishes have earned it a spot among the top 20 eateries in the city. Their menu features diverse thalis, including Assamese and Naga cuisine, with prices starting at just 150 INR. The pork with dry bamboo shoots and Lotha-style chicken are highly recommended dishes and are among the restaurant’s bestsellers. If you’re looking for authentic Assamese and Naga cuisine, Michinga is the place to be.
Google Rating: 4.1
Cuisine Served: Assamese
Website: None
Service Options: Dine-in, Take-away, No-Contact Delivery
We hope you found our blog informative. Set out on a culinary journey to explore Assam’s varied and flavorful cuisine with these amazing options. Our well-crafted selection of the best restaurants in Guwahati is a feast for the senses, offering an authentic and immersive Assamese thali experience. You can choose to savour the distinct taste of bamboo shoots, while also enjoying freshly cooked fish and meat dishes. Along with it, you will have a few traditional accompaniments like khar, pitika, and tenga. With age-old recipes and an array of flavours to explore, Guwahati is the perfect destination for any food enthusiast looking for a unique culinary journey. If you wish to read a little more about Assamese cuisines, we recommend you check out the following link: https://staging.protechgroup.in/wp/blog/lifestyle/assamese-cuisine/
Assam undoubtedly exudes a timeless charm with its rich history and culture. Its landscape is peppered with an array of ancient temples and monuments that showcase its awe-inspiring heritage. These temples, steeped in mythology, are held sacred by the locals and bear witness to the state’s cultural and religious diversity.
The Vaishnava tradition is a prominent feature of Assam’s religious landscape, where Lord Vishnu and his avatars are venerated with utmost devotion. This tradition owes its origins to the medieval saints Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, who left an indelible imprint on the state’s religious and cultural ethos.
Assam’s treasure trove of ancient Hindu temples, dating back to the medieval era, offers glimpses of the state’s rich past. Each temple boasts a unique historical and cultural significance that has been passed down through generations. In this blog, we have mentioned some of the sacred temples in Assam.
Kamakhya Temple, an ancient Shakti Peetha and one of India’s oldest among the 51 are situated on Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Assam. The main temple is surrounded by ten individual shrines dedicated to the Mahavidyas, including Kali, Tara, and Bhairavi. It is a popular hub for Tantra worship and attracts thousands of devotees every year during Ambubachi Mela, Manasha Puja, and Navaratri in the autumn.
2. Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the small river island of Umananda in the Brahmaputra River flowing through Guwahati, Assam. The island is also known as Peacock Island for its shape, and it is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva for Parvati’s delight. The island has other names, such as Bhasmachal, and is associated with the legend of Shiva burning Kamadeva with his third eye. The temple is particularly revered on Maha Shivaratri and Mondays, and devotees can reach the island through a ferry from Umananda or Kachari Ghat
3. Tilinga Mandir
Tilinga Mandir, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Upper Assam, is located in the small town of Bordubi, 7 kilometres from Tinsukia District. This temple is also known as the “Temple of Bells” or “Tilinga Mandir” due to its extensive collection of bells, which made it to the Limca Book of World Records. If someone ties a bell to the banyan tree at Tilinga Mandir, which emerged in 1965 and where a Shiva Lingam appeared, it is believed that has the power to make the wishes come true. Pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year, and Monday is the most popular day.
4. Negheriting Shiva Doul
The Negheriting Shiva Doul, a temple complex consisting of a beautifully decorated Shiva Doul and four smaller Douls dedicated to Ganesh, Vishnu, Durga, and Surya, is located approximately 1.5 kilometres north of National Highway 37 in the Golaghat district of Assam. The temple was originally built by the Kachari ( COMMUNITY) in the 8th–9th century AD, and the current temple was reconstructed by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha after multiple natural calamities.
The Siva Dol, located on the banks of the Borpukhuri in the heart of Sivasagar, is a group of three Hindu temples, including the Siva Dol, Vishnu Dol, and Devi Dol shrines, as well as a museum. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands tall at 104 feet, with a base measuring 195 feet in circumference and an 8-foot-high golden dome on top. The temple hosts a huge fair during Mahashivaratri and attracts pilgrims from all over India for the Hare Krishna kirtan, which is conducted throughout the night during the Hindu month of Savan. The Vishnu Dol celebrates Dol Yatra and Rath Yatra annually, while Devidol celebrates Durga Puja with great fervour in September-October.
6. Kedareswara Temple
The Kedareswar temple is situated atop Madanchala Hillock in Hajo, Assam. This medieval shrine was built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1753 and is a rare Svayambhu linga in the Ardhanarishwara form of Lord Shiva. The linga is so sacred that it is kept covered by a metal bowl by the priests and is not visible to the devotees.
7. Asvakranta Temple
The Asvakranta Temple is an important shrine of Lord Vishnu situated on a rocky bed near the Brahmaputra River in the north of Guwahati. The deity worshipped here is Anantasyeyin Vishnu, depicting the lord sitting on the serpent. According to legend, Lord Krishna halted here with his army and horses before defeating the demon Narakasur, who ruled over this region. A visit to this temple is believed to absolve one of all sins and help one attain salvation.
8. Basistha Temple
The Basistha Temple, a Shiva temple located inside the Basistha Ashram, a historic location thought to be the residence of the sage Basistha, was constructed in 1764 by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha and is in the southeast (ARN) corner of Guwahati. The temple stands beside mountain streams that emerge from the Meghalaya hills and eventually become the rivers Basistha and Bahini/Bharalu. While the sage’s meditation cave is located 5 km away, the temple is a popular place of worship.
9. Bhairabi Temple
The Bhairabi Temple is in Kolibari, on the outskirts of Tezpur, in Assam, and is regarded as a sidhapitha where individuals seek blessings from Maa Bhairabi to fulfil their desires. According to legend, the daughter of the mighty Asura King Banasura, Usha, worshipped the Goddess here regularly. The Durga Puja festival is celebrated in grand style at this temple, and animal sacrifices, including goats, ducks, pigeons, and other creatures, are still conducted frequently.
10. Ugra Tara Temple
The Ugra Tara Temple is a significant shrine dedicated to Devi Tara, located in Latasil, in the western part of Jur Pukhuri. According to legend, the temple is associated with the navel of Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva. Ahom King Siva Singha erected the present temple in 1725 AD, and the Kalika Purana describes it as a Shakti peetha named Dikkaravasini. The temple has a unique feature, as the garbhagriha does not have any image or idol of Ugra Tara, but a small pit filled with water is considered the Goddess. The temple also has a Shivalaya beside it and a pond behind it.
The Maha Bhairav Temple, located on a hillock in the northern part of Tezpur, Assam, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, founded by King Bana in prehistoric times. The temple was originally constructed with stone but was later renovated and reconstructed with concrete. The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and devotees visit the temple from far and wide to offer laddus laced with bhang to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a ritual of releasing pigeons, symbolizing the liberation of the spirits of ancestors.
12. Tamresveri Temple
Tamresveri Temple, situated in the northern Lakimpur district of Assam near Sadiya, is a unique single-stone structure held together by iron pins without any clamps. Despite its deteriorating condition in forests, the temple boasts stunning sculpted images of animals, birds, flowers, and geometrical designs inside.
13. Navagraha Temple
The Navagraha Temple, located on Chitrachal hill in southeastern Guwahati, is devoted to the nine major celestial bodies of Hindu astronomy, including the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, the North Lunar Node, and the South Lunar Node. It serves as a research centre for both astrology and astronomy and was rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed part of its tower and structure.
14. Da Parbatia Temple
Da Parbatia Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the village of Da Parbatia, a few kilometres west of Tezpur city in Assam. Known for its impressive architecture, the temple is one of the oldest in Assam and features exquisite sculptural art in the ruins of its door frame. Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, it is of great historical significance and is overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple’s ruins were constructed during the Ahom era and are built over the foundation of an ancient temple, with a stone-paved layout plan of the sanctum sanctorum and a mandapa.
15. Sukreswar Temple
The Sukreswar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed in 1744 on Sukreswar (or Itakhuli Hill) in Guwahati. It is funded by King Rajeswar Singha and boasts a stunning view of the Brahmaputra River and Umananda Island, the world’s smallest river island. Visitors can also witness various activities on the river, such as boat sailing, puja ceremonies, and bathing.
16. Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Located in Hajo, about 30 km west of Guwahati, the Hayagriva Madhava Temple is a holy site for Hindus, Buddhist Lamas, and Bhutiyas. This temple is famous for its exquisite image of Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that Lord Buddha attained Nirvana or Moksha at this place. The temple’s entrance is a beautifully carved granite block structure with colossal, sculpted figures of the 10 Avatars adorning the exterior. Festivals such as Doul, Bihu, and Janmashtami are celebrated here every year with great enthusiasm.
17. Mahamaya Temple
The Mahamaya Temple, located in the Kokrajhar District of Assam, is a significant Shakti Peetha and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can witness the temple’s 400-year-old tradition of animal sacrifice, especially during Durga Puja. The temple also houses a magnificent idol of Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman. In addition, the Mahamaya Snaanghat Temple, located a few kilometres away, is another place of worship associated with the Mahamaya goddess, where a Shakti Yagya is performed every year in January.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed reading our blog on the 18 most sacred temples in Assam. These temples showcase some of the finest specimens of medieval architecture and boast intricate carvings that celebrate Assam’s rich cultural heritage. If you live in Guwahati or visit Guwahati, don’t forget to check out as many of them as possible. From Vaishnav to Shiva temples, you’ll be amazed by the grandeur and beauty of these ancient monuments.
Assam is undoubtedly one of the most wholesome places to visit. With its diverse cultures, traditions, and idyllic locations, a trip to Assam is hard to beat. And, if you enjoy traditions and want to fully immerse yourself in a cultural experience during your visit, you should definitely plan your vacation around various festivals held throughout the state at various times of the year. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular cultural festivals in Assam that you must attend at least once.
Assam’s tourism minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, expressed his desire to make Guwahati Sandbar one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the state. The three-month festival kicked off this year on January 1, 2023. The festival is intended to be a vibrant showcase of Assam’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, and delectable cuisine. Visitors can indulge in various sports activities, such as water sports, paragliding, and traditional sports, besides enjoying the cultural display. Additionally, visitors can taste traditional food and beverages at stalls set up for the occasion.
To facilitate easy access, the tourism department has arranged for regular ferry services for visitors every half an hour. The festival is open for visitors from 10 AM to 9 PM, and the arena is kept plastic-free. Additionally, the organizers have clarified that the festival arena will not be selling any Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). Instead, traditional and local drinks prepared by different communities will be available. This festival truly exemplifies Assam’s commitment to presenting its cultural diversity to the world while also giving visitors a fun and interesting experience.
To facilitate easy access, the tourism department arranges regular ferry services for visitors every half an hour. The festival opens every day from 10 AM to 9 PM. The Govt wants the arena to be plastic free and so we are required to maintain a plastic free experience. This festival truly exemplifies Assam’s commitment to presenting its cultural diversity to the world while also giving visitors a fun and interesting experience.
The Elephant Festival is an annual celebration held in the north-eastern state of Assam, India, at the Kaziranga National Park. The festival, which is sponsored by the Government of Assam, the Forest Department, and the Tourism Department, aims to promote ecotourism, protect Asiatic elephants, and spread awareness of the peaceful coexistence of elephants and humans. The purpose of this festival is to raise awareness and respect for these magnificent animals while showcasing the beauty and talents of Asiatic elephants.
An enormous number of tourists attend the annual week-long Kaziranga Elephant Festival, which runs from February 11 to February 17. In an effort to promote ecotourism and address the growing conflict between elephants and people over scarce resources, the Assam Forest Department and the Department of Tourism jointly launched the festival in 2003. Nearly a hundred Asiatic domestic elephants are thoroughly cleaned and decorated throughout the festival. They take part in local cultural events, such as dancing performed especially for them, and they play sports like football to display their skills and prowess. Processions are organized, with troupes playing drums and cymbals while elephants perform in front of the audience.
Jonbeel Mela is a unique cultural festival that takes place annually in the state of Assam, India. The festival is celebrated in the Morigaon district, around 32 kms from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. This festival is also known as the ‘Festival of the Tribes’, as it is a conglomeration of different tribes and communities in Assam that come together to celebrate and display their rich cultural heritage. The festival is held on the banks of the Jonbeel pond and is believed to have been celebrated for over 500 years.
The main attraction of the festival is the barter system that takes place between different communities. The tribes come with their products and exchange them for goods and products of equal value. One can find a lot of organically grown groceries during this fair. The festival also features cultural performances, traditional sports, and various stalls selling local handicrafts and traditional food items. Jonbeel Mela is a cultural festival and a platform for promoting communal harmony, peace, and brotherhood among the people of Assam.
Ambubachi Mela is one of the most significant festivals of Assam, celebrated annually in the Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. The festival is held to honour the yearly menstruation cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. It is believed that during the festival, the Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstruation cycle, and the temple remains closed for three days.
The festival is marked by great enthusiasm and attracts thousands of devotees from various parts of the country. During the festival, the temple premises are decorated with flowers, and people from various communities come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess. Tantric sadhus perform various rituals, and devotees take part in various activities like singing devotional songs, reading holy books, and meditating.
The Ambubachi Mela is also an occasion for cultural exchange, and people from various parts of the country come to display their art and craft. The festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture and traditions of Assam.
Assam is blessed with attractive tourist destinations, and the Nazirating Tamuli Tourism Circuit is a new addition to the tourism map of the state. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the last day of the festival this year and announced Rs. 3 crores for the infrastructural development of the Nazirating Tamuli Tourism Circuit. This will create more amenities for tourists and transform the festival into a must-see event for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. The Chief Minister praised the festival for being held in a pristine landscape enriched by the river Dibru and unique flora and fauna. The natural beauty of the place and the presence of varied species of birds make it an attractive tourist destination. Furthermore, the creation of guest houses, roads, and other amenities for tourists adds to its appeal.
The festival also has the potential to bring together different ethnic groups, creating new job opportunities and attractions for students, nature enthusiasts, and animal lovers. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the festival organizers for their efforts in organizing this event and paving the way for further development.
Majuli festival, celebrated in the state of Assam, is a four-day cultural extravaganza held annually from November 21 to 24. This festival takes place on the banks of the river Luit, on the largest river island in the world. Various cultural groups from Majuli and other parts of Assam organize a range of cultural programs during the festival. One can witness diverse ethnic groups coming together to celebrate the event.
Exhibitions and performances by local groups display remnants of the old traditions. For instance, the tribes of Majuli make burnt clay pottery using the same technique as the Harappan people. The pottery, weapons, and other items are on display during the festivities. The festival also includes a food festival, where different tribal foods are cooked and can be bought. Seminars on relevant issues are organized, and classical performances from all over the country can be witnessed. Since the region is a melting pot of many tribes and ethnic races, one can see several groups sharing space under the Majuli sky.
The Majuli festival celebrates the traditions of the people of the region and beyond. While there are no specific rituals, the festival provides an opportunity for cultural performances and the display of various traditional products of Assam. Many budding and established artists, dancers, musicians, and artisans participate in the festival, making it a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Assam, is well-known for its extensive tea gardens, which contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Given its significance, it is appropriate to commemorate Assam’s tea industry and its ability to lift spirits with its delectable aroma and flavour. As a result, the Assam Tea Festival was created to honour the region’s rich tea culture. The festival attracts tea lovers from all over India to the Jorhat district, which is known for its lush tea gardens.
The Assam Tea Festival features cultural performances, interactive activities, and, of course, tea. The people of Assam use this occasion to honour their hard work, while visitors show their appreciation for the various varieties of tea on display and the entertaining performances. The festival is held each year during the winter months of November to January and is a popular event.
The satra is maintained in a clean and tidy manner, and its peaceful surroundings impart peace to one’s mind and soul. The Raslila festival is a grand occasion celebrated here, where both men and women take part in cultural activities. However, it is considered against the rules of other satras.
Garmur Satra holds many ancient articles and artifacts that provide insight into the religious beliefs of the people here. The Vaishnavite site is home to many silver and ivory utensils, elephant cartwheels, umber sculptures, and many other ancient literary manuscripts. The satra is easily accessible by both waterways and roads. Tourists can take either a ferry or taxis and buses to Garmur Satra.
The months of October to February are ideal for visiting this religious institution because the weather is mild.
