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The mighty Mughal empire which spread its wings throughout almost the whole of India, could never lay a finger in the pure soil of Asom! In 1615, Mughals first attacked Asom. Mughals had always been guided by an urge of political supremacy and geographical expansion of their kingdom. That urge had led them to conquering almost every state in India! The greedy Mughals were also attracted to the abundant natural resources in Asom. The very prosperous Kingdom of Kamrup in the lower valley of Brahmaputra, which also saw a plethora of elephants and flora and fauna entranced the Mughals! By hook or by crook, they wanted to capture this fascinating place. But, it was not to be so! The battle of Xoraighat(Soraighat) in 1671 is deemed as the most furious battle of powers between the Mughals and the mighty Lachit BorPhukan. Lachit Borphukan was a legend. Hadn't been he and his love for the soil, Mughals would have laid their blood strewn feet in Asom. Hell no! He didn't allow. Lac...

Today I feel the need to discuss the topic which people keep raising every now and then, Culture! And along with it comes Clothes too. Though not cognitive, yet somehow always get transpired! My belief is that Culture is in my heart. It's my ideas, customs,and my social behavior. Culture to me is not related to how I am dressed. In other words, my dressing sense doesn't define my culture neither the opposite! I am an Indian, born into a Axomia family. I love the traditional attire of my place - the very gorgeous Mekhela Sador. It's unique in its own way. I love them. And I do have a huge collection of Mekhela Sador. But I see no reason as to why I cannot wear trouser, half pants or a bikini! Does it make me lesser Axomia/Indian because I prefer to keep myself dressed in other ways? The beliefs in the heart, do they change because I am wearing a hot pant and a t-shirt? Can a lady adorn in her traditional attire not have illicit thoughts? Can a man for that matter,...

Asom is a place of festivities and the very colorful Rongali bihu or the Bohag Bihu is the most popular. Commemorating the onset of the Axomia New Year, Rongali bihu is called as such because it brings in colour into every one's lives. Celebrated in the month of Bohag or April, marking the onset of Spring! Nature is at its best this time of the year. " Xewaali phool xorotor..   Bohaag maahor duporor   Protitu dhulor saaapore..   monot pelaai kotha atitor.. " The merriment and feasting starts and continues for full seven days! However the delirium starts from March itself. People buy new clothes, prepare pitha, larus, jolpan, xandoh giving real festive essence to the season! This is the time when farmers plough the land for cultivation. And there is a general sense of joy around. " Axomor   suke   kune .. Dhul pepai gorojile..." The various associations starts the Bihu functions. There is a popular sense of gaiety in every ...

"Eeifale nasabi hefale nasabi, majote nasi thak"!!! What a voice man! He is the only person I have written  an article on till date! I feel he has a voice superlative of Melodious. Angarag "Papon" Mahanta - the assonance, the Aria, the voice! The lead singer and the founder of the folk-fusion band  called "Papon and the East India Company" has many compositions under his belt! Recognized all over the world for his powerful themes and vocalizations. Taking the name of Assam to greater heights is this man. He is rewriting history with his golden voice. Born to the famous Axomia singer couple - the great​ Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta, Papon has brought many Laurels to Asom. Such is his adornment that even Non-Assamese people ask me about him! I feel such a sense of pride at those moments. Anyone would, I'm sure. The most ecstatic moment I felt was when some members of the Punjabi Clan I am married to, told me "Oh Papon, what a singer...

The amazing hillock,  Agnigarh  is located in the small town of Tezpur. It still stands as an eternal witness to the immortal love story of Usha and Aniruddha.  The name 'Agnigarh' is derived from the words ' Agni ' (meaning  fire ) and 'garh' (meaning fortress or wall) in  Sanskrit . History states that Usha was the daughter of King Bana, the ruler of Tezpur. The amazingly beautiful princess Usha had a mesmerizing beauty. Even the grandchild of Lord Krishna, Aniruddha was bowled over by her beauty. It is believed that Usha used to have dreams of Aniruddha. Her friend, Chitralekha used to draw images of princes of India to exactly know which is the one Usha is dreaming of. Finally Chitralekha was able to draw a portrait of Aniruddha to which Usha nodded a 'Yes'! It is believed that Aniruddha was put into jail, a fort which was surrounded by fire on all sides. In other words he was hold captive in Agnigarh. Lord Krishna was fumed at this new...

The temple of Moha Bhoirab does not require any introduction. It stands as an identity of Tezpur. Direction are shown in regards to this temple in Tezpur! Every time I visit Tezpur, I religiously visit Moha Bhoirob Mondir. My visit to Tezpur cannot be complete without it. This time too I stole an hour to be here. Moha Bhoirob, as the name indicates, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tezpur was ruled by King Bana earlier and he was a great devotee of the lord. Its believed he used to offer his prayers to the lord in this very temple. Moha Bhoirob Mondir has a 'linga' which is said to be one of the tallest linga  in Asia! The temple is renovated now. The main linga remains as it is. The interiors of the temple are now modernised though. But the peace of mind we attain here is beyond comparison.

The Cole Park as it was earlier known is one of the main attraction in the small town of Tezpur! The park had been standing as a crowd pleaser since the ages. The little Children's park adjoining it and the natural water bodies all add to its charm. The park was later renamed as 'Chitralekha Udyan' after the Usha's artist friend 'Chitralekha'. The park had also been restructured. The Children's park was merged with it. A Valiant  MIG 21, the first supersonic aircraft for the Indian Air Force which is capable of travelling at Mach 2 was also installed here. Obviously the engines were removed and the plane painted to look new!  The stone inscriptions found during the Bhomoraguri Bridge were also transported and placed here to add a charisma to the already charming park.  One on side of the park a India map is also designed. One can also see a concrete Japi and gamosa beautifully scripted here. Bumping cars were also added ...

Dhubri - the land of Rivers! Dhubri is a small town and the administrative headquarter of Dhubri district in Assam. Situated on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra and the Gadadhar rivers, Dhubri holds heart to historical importance! Located some 280 kms from the capital of Assam, Dhubri was first constituted in 1883. Known as the 'Land of Rivers', Dhubri sees the mighty Brahmaputra flowing through its heart from east to west. While its tributaries like Champabati, Jinjiram, Gourang, Tipkai, Gadadhar, Silai, Gangadhar, Sankosh play around the place! Dhubri was an important commercial centre and had a busy river port particularly for jute export. Dhubri District is bestowed with attractive scenic beauties by the mother nature. Like other parts of Assam, Dhubri too is bestowed with natural charm. The mighty river Btahmaputra's banks provide the lush greenary for the onlookers. The surrounding hills also give ample enjoyment to the people visiting Dhubri! Dhubri has man...

Hello everyone, Let me take this opportunity to first introduce myself. I am "Majuli". People say, I am the largest river island in India! I lay quietly surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Brahmaputra is the only male river in India and flows through the heart of Axom(Assam)! Having introduced myself, may I take the pleasure to be little proud of the facts I just stated! Sure I do. People in large numbers do come to visit me. Tourist swamp the region during anytime of the year. Ferries connect me to the land, on the other side of the rivers! Apart from them, I obviously have my own children, the Axomia neo-vaishnavite people and I love them. My children speak Assamese and Mising languages. History states that I am the cultural capital of Assamese civilization since the 16th century. The great guru Srimanta Sankardev himself founded satras on me! Having giving you a brief of self, let me quote some of the reasons why you should visit me! 1. T...

I have visited almost the length and breadth of my country, India. Have interacted with people of diverse languages, cultures, religions, ethnic groups. Believe me, humanity rules. Let me in this blog write about 10 states in India I visited. 1. Assam - I was born in the small town of Tezpur, in Assam. Hence obviously had travelled  across Assam. Assam is a very simple state. People are very friendly. There you would not find people being adamant on you speaking their language. Instead, they would try and learn your language. Try to understand you and offer all help. They have a very sweet language. You would fall in love with them once you get to know them. Never met such courteous people anywhere else in India! Besides being courteous, Assam is well known for the Flora and fauna. The place is surrounded by hills. Even the metro places like Guwahati, the capital of Assam, has hills! Its a pleasure to the eyes. Bhalukpung The Kaziranga National Park, the Manas Nat...