The North East
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Monk working, Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk (bhakat) is making a bamboo mat at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island. This craft is practiced by both the bhakats of the satras and people of other communities to make items of daily use.
Monk, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Majuli
A monk (bhakat) at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks working, Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Two monks are working at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Young monk, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Majuli
A young monk is looking out from the prayer-hall (Namghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island. Young boys are adopted by the satras. They are integrated into the monastery's family unit, comprised of more monks of different generations. They then live in the satra as monks (celibate in Udasin Satras like the Uttar Kamalabari Satra).
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk in the prayer-hall (Namghar or Kirtan Ghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monk chanting from the scriptures
A monk (bhakat) is chanting from the scriptures in the prayer-hall (Namghar or Kirtan Ghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Neo-Vaisnavism embraces literature, poetry, music, dance and theatre, writing and painting manuscripts, painting, mask making, wood carving and many other art forms.
The name of the hall signifies its role as a prayer hall as the word «Naam” means prayer and “Ghar” means house.
Monk chanting, Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk is chanting in the prayer-hall (Namghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
The name of the hall signifies its role as a prayer hall as the word «Naam” means prayer and “Ghar” means house.
Monks chanting, Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are chanting outside the prayer-hall (Namghar or Kirtan Ghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monk chanting, Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk is chanting in the prayer-hall (Namghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
The name of the hall signifies its role as a prayer hall as the word «Naam” means prayer and “Ghar” means house.
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk in the prayer-hall (Namghar or Kirtan Ghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
The name of the hall signifies its role as a prayer hall as the word «Naam” means prayer and “Ghar” means house.
Monk chanting from the scriptures
A monk (bhakat) is chanting from the scriptures in the prayer-hall (Namghar or Kirtan Ghar) of the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Neo-Vaisnavism embraces literature, poetry, music, dance and theatre, writing and painting manuscripts, painting, mask making, wood carving and many other art forms.
The name of the hall signifies its role as a prayer hall as the word «Naam” means prayer and “Ghar” means house.
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk outside his living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Two monks at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Two monks outside their living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Two monks at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Two monks outside their living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Two monks at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Two monks outside their living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Two monks at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Two monks outside their living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk outside his living quarters at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
A Hindu ceremonial mask
A Hindu ceremonial mask made by Hem Chandra Goswami at the Natun Chamaguri Satra of the Majuli river island.
Masks are worn by the monks when performing dances and dramas where they play roles of deities, asuras (horrifying demons), various animals and other inhumane and superhuman characters.
Vaishnavite masks are made of woven bamboo splits covered with cotton cloth and clay.
A Hindu ceremonial mask and its maker
A Hindu ceremonial mask made by Hem Chandra Goswami at the Natun Chamaguri Satra of the Majuli river island. Hem Chandra Goswami himself in the background. He is an acclaimed maker of exquisite masks, both nationally and internationally.
Mask making is one of the most famous traditional crafts still practiced in Majuli. The Natun Chamaguri Sattra has a worldwide reputation for its masks.
Vaishnavite masks are made of woven bamboo splits covered with cotton cloth and clay.
Erosion at the Majuli river island
It is estimated that the river Brahmaputra has eroded land in Majuli Island at a rate of 1.2 square Km per year. The erosion has led to the displacement of thousands of people, rendering them landless and homeless.
The process has accelerated since the large 8.7 magnitude earthquake in 1950. Villages and some satras must frequently be relocated to safer ground. The decreasing geographical area coupled with increasing population is creating economic instability and ecological imbalance on the island.
Children on the banks of the Brahmaputra, Majuli
Children on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Majuli river island.
Children on the banks of the Brahmaputra, Majuli
Children on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on a foggy morning. Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on a foggy morning. Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on a foggy morning. Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on a foggy morning. Majuli river island.
Monk sweeping, Majuli
A monk is sweeping the entrance to his living quarters ate the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Taking a morning shower
One of the monks av the Uttar Kamalabari Satra is taking a morning shower.
Monk reading
Monk is reading at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Neo-Vaisnavism (the movement founded by Srimanta Sankardev 1449-1568) embraces literature, poetry, music, dance and theatre, writing and painting manuscripts, painting, mask making, wood carving and many other art forms.
Monks threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
Monks are threshing at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra
A monk at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
Young monk reading
A Young monk is reading at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra (Neo-Vaishnavite monastery) on the Majuli river island.
The young monks learn Yoga, read the scriptures and are introduced to the Neo-Vaishnavite faith and culture.
Apatani home. Bamin Michi, Arunachal Pradesh
Apatani village Bamin Michi (near Ziro). Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatani are a tribal group of people living in the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatanis are one of the major ethnic groups of eastern Himalayas. UNESCO has recognized the Apatani valley as a potential World Heritage Site for the highly efficient and unique agriculture without animals or machines. Most grown up women of the tribe have inserted nose plugs and have facial tattoos.
Sacrificed buffalo heads in an Apatani home, Arunachal Pradesh
Apatani village Bamin Michi (near Ziro). Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatani are a tribal group of people living in the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatanis are one of the major ethnic groups of eastern Himalayas. UNESCO has recognized the Apatani valley as a potential World Heritage Site for the highly efficient and unique agriculture without animals or machines. Most grown up women of the tribe have inserted nose plugs and have facial tattoos.