Monks of world's largest river island keep an ancient tradition alive
Waking up to tradition
Every morning, on an island in the Brahmaputra River, centuries-old monasteries come alive with the sounds of rhythmic chants and the footsteps of young monks closely watched by their teachers.
In pic: a young Hindu monk learns Borgeet, an Assamese classical song, from a Guru at a Satra, or Vaishnavite monastery, in Majuli.
1/6
AP
Worship with the arts
Majuli island is home to more than 20 Vaishnavite monasteries, traditional prayer halls belonging to an offshoot of Hinduism dedicated to the god Vishnu. Inside the monasteries, thousands of monks are keeping alive an ancient tradition that melds worship with the arts.
Vaishnavite practice is credited with preserving the culture of mask-making, an integral part of the dance dramas or Bhaonas.
In pic: Traditional mask makers Khagen Goswami, left, and Hemachandra Goswami work on masks at Samaguri Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, in Majuli.
2/6
AP
Almost ready
Hemachandra Goswami displays a mask at Samaguri Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, in Majuli, India. “Our Maha (great) guru Srimanta Sankardeva had established this art in the 15-16th Centuries. He started with painting stories and that gave birth to Bhaona (dance-drama). The masks are essential for Bhaonas,” said 60-year old Goswami.
Vaishnavite practice is credited with preserving the culture of mask-making, an integral part of the dance dramas or Bhaonas. At the Samaguri Satra, the monks use locally available bamboo, cane, clay, paper, jute and cow dung to shape and paint masks depicting characters from Hindu mythology.
4/6
AP
Way to salvation
Vaishnava monks believe the way to salvation is through dance, drama and music. Their work centers around dance dramas, based on ancient Indian texts that often focus on the god Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu. The young monks, many of whom come from poor families, perform the dances at Krishna festivals across India and around the world.
In pic: A guru helps a young Hindu monk practice Mati Akhora devotional performing art at a Satra in Majuli.
