Assam: Majuli’s Samaguri Satra artists gear up for Raas festival, traditional masks in making
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
In the vibrant heart of Majuli, Assam’s largest river island, the Samaguri Satra comes alive with creativity. Artists here are busy crafting stunning traditional masks for the much-awaited Raas festival, a highlight of Assam’s cultural calendar. Famous for their unique mask-making heritage, these artisans have already lined up orders from places across the state, especially for the giant masks that steal the show in Raas performances.
This year, the Raas Committee in Kaliabor, Nagaon district, has placed a special order for masks of mythical villains like Aghasura, Bakasura, and even a majestic Peacock. Once ready, these handmade beauties will travel from Majuli to Kaliabor, promising to wow festival-goers on stage.
Anupam Goswami, an artist at the nearby Sangeet Kala Kendra, shared his excitement: “For this Raas Mahotsav, we’re creating these masks just as the Kaliabor committee asked—Aghasura, Bakasura, and the Peacock. People will love seeing them in the live shows. We make masks for Raas every year, and this is our first big order of the season. Artists Dhiren Goswami, Pradip Goswami, and Manoj Bora have already finished the first three. We’re hoping the folks in Nagaon enjoy them!”
Gautam Bhuyan, a young student at the center, chimed in about the hard work: “Our team has been at it for over a month now. We focus on masks for Shri Krishna Raasleela, especially from his childhood stories. These ones—Aghasura, Bakasura, and the Peacock—play key roles in the Krishna dance sequences.”
Majuli, tucked between the mighty Brahmaputra and Subansiri rivers, keeps pulling in tourists from India and beyond who want to see this age-old mask-making tradition up close. Shumki Bhattacharya, a visitor from Kolkata, couldn’t hide her awe after watching the artists in action. “I’m blown away by these culturally rich handicrafts—all done by hand! It’s incredible that such a beautiful tradition thrives here in Majuli, but so few know about it. The mask culture is a huge part of the island’s heritage, and it needs to be protected and celebrated. Wishing the artists all the best!”
As the Raas Festival approaches—one of Assam’s grandest cultural events—Majuli’s timeless mask-making artistry will once again shine, keeping the island’s unique identity alive and captivating everyone who sees it.
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