GUWAHATI: THE CITY OF EASTERN LIGHT

A commercial hub of the north-east, with flourishing tea and handloom business and the Noonmati Oil refinery, Guwahati is rich in cultural traditions too. Referred to as Pragjyotishpura or 'the city of eastern light' in the popular Hindu epic Mahabharata, the city binds the tribal and non-tribal customs with the same thread of harmony. The beautiful location of Guwahati, near to the Himalayas and the river Brahmaputra, makes it an awesome place to visit.

QUICK FACTS:

Location: Guwahati is the capital city of Assam, situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra in eastern India.

Climate: The city experiences a sub-tropical climate with temperature ranging between 19 degree Celsius and 29 degree Celsius. Summers are warm and winters are cold, while monsoon months experience heavy rainfall in the whole state.

Known For: Kamakhya Temple, Vashishtha Ashram, silk products, tea farms.

Best Time To Visit: November to April.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

Kamakhya Temple:

Kamakhya literally means 'worshiped by Kama Deva, the God of love'. Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, that have historic and religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, Hindu Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's wife did penance, when her father insulted her husband by not inviting him to the Yagya. Sati's body fell in parts in 51 parts, and her genitalia or Yoni fell at the place where the Kamakhya temple stands today. It is believed that the goddess still masturbates for 3 days, during which the temple remains closed.

The temple is an ancient one, the origin of which is still unknown. It consists of a dark natural cave, with an underground spring. Goat sacrifices are common within the premises. Thousands of devotees visit the temple throughout the year, especially Navratri, in October/November. It is located close to the Guwahati Railway Station.

Umananda Temple:

Built in 1694 Ad by King Gadadhar Singh of Ahom Dynasty, was reconstructed in the 19th Century with Vaishnava slogans inscribed in its interiors. The temple stands amidst the Brahmaputra sea waters, and can be reached through ferries or motorboats. Hindu Lord Shiva is worshiped by hundreds of devotees who visit this temple, everyday. Sculptures of the temple epitomize several Hindu Lords including Lord Vishnu and Sun God.

Navgraha Temple:

A temple devoted to the Sun God and the nine celestial bodies of the planetary system who are revered as Gods, namely, Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu. The representations of the Navgrahas is in the form of nine Shivlingams, each with a unique colored drape. The temple is also an astronomical research centre today. It was built by King Rajeswar Singh, and is located at the Chitrachal hill, in eastern Guwahati.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Bihu:

The most important festival of Assam, Bihu, is celebrated three times in a year, with full enthusiasm and vigor. Bohag Bihu or Rangoli Bihu is celbrated in the month of April to celebrate the harvest season. The festival is marked by decorating cattles, cooking leafy vegetables and offering customary prayers.

Durga Puja:

Since a major part of Assamese population is Bengali, Durga Puja is celebrated with great grandeur and magnificence. Prayers are offered to Goddess Durga, finest delicacies are prepared, people dress themselves to their best and participate in the various events and processions that take place.

Ambubachi Mela:

Ambubachi is a three day festival which takes place in the month of June, when Goddess Sati is said to have her menstruation. During the three days, the temple remains closed and on the fourth day, devotees throng the temple premises for festivity and celebrations. Animal sacrifices takes place during the festival and the festival marks the commencement of the harvest season, as a sign of fertility.

SHOPPING:

People from far off places come to Guwahati to purchase the authentic silk items, mainly silk sarees with thread work. One can also buy cane and bamboo products including furniture, home decors, accessories, etc. The various places to shop in Guwahati are Beltola Bazaar, Ganeshguri, Fansi Bazaar and Pan Bazaar.

HOW TO REACH:

Air: Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is an International Airport situated in Guwahati, connecting the doorway of the north-east to other parts of the country and the world.

Rail: Guwahati Railway station is an important railhead for the north-east, from where trains connect to various small and big cities of the north-east.

Road: Guwahati being the industrial hub of the north-east is well-connected to important cities in and around Assam like Kolkata and Darjeeling, by a network of roads and comfortable modes of road transport including AC buses and prepaid taxis .