SYLLABUS

GS-1: Indian culture; Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent).

Context: Recently, the Charaichung Festival has been organised on Majuli Island in Assam.

More on the News

• The festival commemorates the 392-year-old legacy of Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary, established in 1633 AD.

• The sanctuary, ‘Charaichung’, was created by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha, also known as Burha Roja. 

• The festival is aimed at reviving and conserving the nearly defunct Royal Bird Sanctuary at Majuli, the world’s largest river island.

• The four-day festival (December 7–10), organised by Majuli Sahitya and locals, aims to place Charaichung on the global map and rejuvenate its bird habitat.

About Majuli Island

• It is the world's largest river island located in the state of Assam Nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River.

• In 2016, it became India’s first island to be declared a district.

• It is a long, narrow piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers).

• It is formed between the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the Subansiri River in the north.

• It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.

• It is spread over an area of approximately 352 square kilometres (136 square miles).

• The island's wetlands, riverine forests, and water bodies are home to a variety of wildlife, particularly migratory birds.

• It is inhabited by the peoples of three tribes, namely the Deori, Assamese, and the Mising. 

Source :
DD News 
Water Resources 
Assam Gov 
Majuli 
CWC