Capital Of Assam

Dispur has been accorded the status of Capital of Assam. Dispur came into the limelight in the year 1973. Ever since its entry into main corridors of national importance, Dispur in Assam never stooped proceeding towards a bright future. The land of Dispur is populated by 1700 inhabitants (census 1991).

The official language of Dispur which is used in every operational domain of the place is Assamese. People of Dispur owe their origin to various ancient civilizations. From Burmans to Tibetans, all categories of ethnic people are known to have had a permanent base in Dispur.

The cultural ecstasy of Dispur is another major attraction of the place. Apart from the famous Bihu festival which is an integral part of the Assamese tradition, Husari dance is also quite popular in Dispur.

As far as the economic sector of Dispur is concerned, Tea estates have a significant contribution. In fact the revenue earned by the Tea exports is counted for around 15% of the total revenue of the globe. However, there are many other industries in Dispur that strengthens the very base of its economy. Some of these are:

• Agriculture, Minerals,Wooden products,Mining,Weaving

History Of ASSAM

                                          HISTORY

Mention of Assam is found in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The valiant and invincible king of Kamrup, Bhagadatta had fought alongside the Kaurav army in the battle of Kurukhatra. He was said to be the father- in- law of the Kaurav prince Duryudhana. Even prior to this, there was the king Narakasur of Kamrupa born of the union of Bhoomi devi (mother earth) and Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is credited to have built the first temple for Goddess Kamakhya atop the Neelachal hill and the stone stairway from the valley to the temple. Assam was known as 'Kamarupa' with 'Pragjyotish' as the capital in the period of the Epics. Human inhabitation of this area dates, backs to about 2000 BC. The population of Assam comprises of the migrants from Burma and China. They came into Assam after the mongoloid migration. They came from Punjab through Bihar and North Bengal. Thus Assam presents a fusion of Mongol-Aryan culture. The early history of Assam is believed to be of the Varman dynasty. The reign of this dynasty extended from 400 AD to 13th century. The visit of Huien Tsang is said to have taken place in the 7th century during the reign of Kumar Bhaskar Varman, a friend and contemporary of Harshabardhana of Gupta dynasty. The Ahoms ventured into Assam in about 1228 AD. By 15th century the kingdoms of Ahom and Koch were established. This period witnessed a change in all walks of life in Assam.

The Three Bihus of Assam

The Three Bihus of Assam

In a year there are three Bihu festivals in Assam - in the months of Bohaag (Baisakh, the middle of April), Maagh (the middle of January), and Kaati (Kartik, the middle of October). The Bihus have been celebrated in Assam since ancient times. Each Bihu coincides with a distinctive phase in the farming calendar. The most important and colourful of the three Bihu festival is the Spring festival "Bohag Bihu" or Rongali Bihu celebrated in the middle of April. This is also the beginning of the agricultural season.

Rongali Bihu

Rongali Bihu (mid-April, also called Bohag Bihu), the most popular Bihu celebrates the onset of the Assamese New Year (around April 15) and the coming of Spring. This marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu though called by different names. It's a time of merriment and feasting and continues, in general, for seven days. The farmers prepare the fields for cultivation of paddy and there is a feeling of joy around. The women make pitha, larus (traditional food made of rice and coconut) and Jolpan which gives the real essence of the season. The first day of the bihu is called goru bihu or cow bihu, where the cows are washed and worshipped, which falls on the last day of the previous year, usually on April 14. This is followed by manuh (human) bihu on April 15, the New Year Day. This is the day of getting cleaned up, wearing new cloths and celebrating and getting ready for the new year with fresh vigor. The third day is Gosai (Gods) bihu; statues of Gods, worshiped in all households are cleaned and worshiped asking for a smooth new year.

BIHU

                                              BIHU

Bihu (Assamese: বিহু,) denotes a set of three different cultural festivals of Assam and celebrated around the world. Though they owe their origins to ancient rites and practices they have taken definite urban features and have become popular festivals in urban and commercialized milieus in the recent decades.Bihu is also used to imply Bihu dance and Bihu folk songs. The Bihus are the national festivals of Assam. The most important festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with fun and abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief.

The word Bihu is derived from the language of the Dimasa Kacharis who have been agrarian since time immemorial. Their supreme god is Brai Shibrai or Father Shibrai. The First crops of the season are offered to Brai Shibrai while wishing for peace and prosperity. So Bi means "to ask" and Shu means "peace and prosperity" in the world. Hence the word BISHU gradually became Bihu to accommodate linguistic preferences. In Assam, Rongali Bihu draws from many different traditions— Austro-Asiatic, Sino-Burmese and Indo-Aryan—and is celebrated with great fervor. Celebrations begin in the middle of April and generally continue for a month. In addition there are two other Bihus: Kongali Bihu in October (associated with the September equinox) and Bhogali Bihu Bhogali Bihuin January (associated with the January solstice). Like most other Indian festivals, Bihu (all three) is associated with farming; as the traditional Assamese society is predominantly agricultural. In fact, similar festivals are also celebrated around the same time elsewhere in India.

History Of Kamakhya Temple

The temple of Kamakhya is situated on a hill three miles from Guwahati, the headquarters of the Kamrup District. It is about eight hundred feet above sea level. There is a small township on the hillock consisting of some 200 families who are mostly connected with the temple. It has certain modern facilities too such as a Post Office and certain educational institutions upto high school standard level. 

The Legend Of Kamakhaya

The name of the hillock where the shrine stands is called "Nilachala" (blue mountain). This name is associated with legend, which is preserved in the Kalika Purana in the chapter on 'Daksa Yaina'. According to this source, when King Daksha, the father of Parvati (Sati), instituted a great sacrifice, he sent invitation to all his daughters and the gods and sages except his eldest daughter Parvati and Shiva, his son-in-law, as he disliked them.

Ambubachi Mela

Ambubachi: Celebrating the Menstruation of Mother Earth

It’s difficult to make your way through the bustling crowds at the normally serene Kamakhya temple in Assam during Ambubachi Mela. MAA’s energy is wild and potent, and She is alive in the palpable energy that pulses through the throngs of Her devotees gathered outside Her temple. Almost every square inch of the grounds is covered with crimson-clad devotees who sing, chant, meditate and shout their devotion to the Divine Mother, positioning themselves just outside Her most holy shrine during the time of Her annual menstruation.
Devotees of all varieties from across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and a few from other countries as well, ascend the Nilachal Hills to be at MAA’s feet during this time. From regular families to black-clad aghoris, from foreign tourists to sadhus and sannyasis, this time of year calls to those who adore the Divine Mother and wish to be close to Her during Her most potent and sacred time. The festival especially draws those from the various Shakta and Shaiva Tantra kulas, generally recognized by the red or black clothes they wear, often with long dreadlocks and typically situated in group encampments outside the temple. Between 100,000 and 150,000 devotees typically reside at the Sri Sri Kamakhya Temple grounds during the four-day festival each year, and between 50,000 and 100,000 visit the temple every day during the festival. Some have claimed that as many as a quarter million people have crowded their way into the temple complex in years past.

Kamakhya Temple

A Historical Note on Sri Sri Kamakhya Temple

 his sacred land of spiritual upliftment, a land yearning after what life is beyond. The rest of the world is agog with material pleasure, the life that is present seems to be the summumbonum of mankind, so there is a race for drinking the pleasure of life to the dregs.
 

The holy Nilachal Hills, where the famous temple of Mother Goddess Sri Sri Kamakhya has been shining with pride and glory, is now a part of the metropolis Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India. The mighty Brahmaputra, mentioned as Louhitya in Sanskrit epics and Puranas, is flowing on the northern side of these sacred hills. Near the holy shrine of the Mother Goddess there are temples of the Dasamahavidya, Lord Shiva, other Deities and numerous Gupta Peethas scattered all around.

The history of Assam is closely related to the history of Sri Sri Kamakhya. Mention of this Shaktitemple of Kamakhya has been made in Devi Bhagavata, Devi Purana, Kalika Purana, Yogini Tantra,Hevajra Tantra, Tantra Chudamani, and is cited many more times in other ancient literature. According to Hevajra Tantra (8th century C.E.) and Kalika Purana (earlier than 1000 C.E.) the deity of Sri Sri Kamakhya in Kamarupa had become already established as the main center of Tantric worship. The Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra already extol Assam as a land where Shakta Tantra was fully established.

TELEVISION CHANNELS IN ASSAM

DOORDARSHAN KENDRA, GUWAHATI
Guwahati Doordarshan
AIDC , Guwahati-781024
Website :www.guwahatiddk.com

DY 365
BRAHMAPUTRA TELE PRODUCTIONS PVT. LTD.
Gorchuk, Near SBI Branch, NH 37,
Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
Phone No.: 0361-2274060/61/64/65/66/67/68
Fax No.: 0361-2274069
Website : www.dy365.in

FOCUS TELEVISION
Positive Television Pvt. Ltd.
NETV Building
A. K. Azad Road
Rehabari, Guwahati-781008
Phone No.:- 0361-2607071/74/75
Fax No.: 0361-2519319
Website: www.netvindia.com

NE TV
Positive Television Pvt. Ltd.
NETV Building
A. K. Azad Road
Rehabari, Guwahati-781008
Phone No.:- 0361-2607071/74/75
Fax No.: 0361-2519319
Website:www.netvindia.com

NEWS LIVE
PRIDE EAST ENTERTAINMENTS PVT. LTD.
News Live Building, 558 Christian Basti, G. S. Road, Guwahati- 781005
Phone No.: (0361) 2342861
Fax No.: (0361) 2342867
e-mail: info@newslivetv.com; website: www.newslivetv.com

NE BANGLA
Positive Television Pvt. Ltd.
NETV Building
A. K. Azad Road
Rehabari, Guwahati-781008
Phone No.:- 0361-2607071/74/75
Fax No.: 0361-2519319
Website:www.netvindia.com

NE Hi-Fi
Positive Television Pvt. Ltd.
NETV Building
A. K. Azad Road
Rehabari, Guwahati-781008
Phone No.:- 0361-2607071/74/75
Fax No.: 0361-2519319
Website:www.netvindia.com

PRAG CHANNEL
Luit Entertainment (P) Ltd.
Nilachal Complex,
Chandmari, Guwahati-781003
Phone No.: 91-0361-2660976

Hotels In Guwahati

1.Brahmaputra Jungle Resort,Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 700 onwards
Location: Sonapur Circle


2.Horn Bill Hotel The, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 1300 onwards
Location: Paltan Bazar


3.Ambarish Grand Residency Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 2500 onwards
Location: Ganeshguri


4.Grand Starline Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 2400 onwards
Location: G.S Road


5.Mahalaxmi Hotel Indo-Myanmar, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 1200 onwards
Location: Guwahati


6.Ginger Hotel - Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 2500 onwards
Location:VIP Road


7.Dynasty Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 3800 onwards
Location: Guwahati


8.Brahmaputra Ashok, Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 4200 onwards
Location: Guwahati


9.Hotel Atithi,Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 1700 onwards
Location: Paltan Bazar


10.Indira Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 500 onwards
Location: Paltan Bazar


11.Suradevi Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 500 onwards
Location: Guwahati


12.Vishwaratna Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 3000 onwards
Location:A.T. Road ,Guwahati


13.Rajmahal Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 3200 onwards
Location:A.T. Road, Guwahati


14.Nandan Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 2100 onwards
Location:Paltan Bazar,Guwahati


15.Kuber International Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 1000 onwards
Location: Guwahati


16.Bellevnue Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 1800 onwards
Location: Guwahati


17.Embassy Hotel , Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 700 onwards
Location: Guwahati


18.Abhijat Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 500 onwards
Location: Guwahati


19.Amit Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 500 onwards
Location: Guwahati


20.Deepak Hotel, Guwahati
Tariff: Rs. 300 onwards
Location: Guwahati

Luxury Hotels in Assam

Hotel Rajmahal, Guwahati

Hotel Rajmahal is one of the most sought after luxurious hotels located in Guwahati, one of the popular cities of Assam. It is 21kms from the International Airport and almost 5kmsfrom the railway station. The Hotel on one hand is in close proximity to the important centres in Guwahati and on the other gives the guests a chance to enjoy the scintillating scenic beauty of the place. It has 74 well-equipped rooms, which comprise of deluxe rooms, suites, single room and double rooms. There are two restaurants and a bar, which takes care of the dining needs of the guests. Some of the other faculties are swimming pool, doctor on call, 24 hrs room service, etc. This hotel is well known in Assam for its warm hospitality. 

Hotel Dynasty

Hotel Dynasty is a Government approved hotel and among the best 4 star hotels in Assam. It is located in Guwahati and is 1 km from the Guwahati Rail Station and 21 kms from the Guwahati Airport. It has 70 elegantly designed rooms divided into executive rooms, executive clubrooms, suites and corporate suites. Hotel Dynasty has 2 multi-cuisine restaurants, 'Tandoor' and 'Chopstix' and a bar called 'The lounge'. Other services and facilities of this luxurious Assam Hotel are banquet hall, business centre, conference rooms, doctor on call, travel assistance, currency exchange, laundry, safety deposit etc. 

Budget Hotels in Assam

Hotel Ambassador

Assam Hotels are known for their warmth and hospitality. Hotel Ambassador is no exception. It is among the popular Budget Hotels in Assam. It is conveniently located in the city of Guwahati. The hotel rooms come in beautiful shades and are very clean and comfortable. Some of the facilities that are outfitted in the rooms are telephone, 24-hr room service, hot and cold water, TV etc. The hotel also has a restaurant for you to enjoy the lip-smacking eateries. The hotel is also equipped with modern amenities like recreational centre, business centre, doctor on call, safe deposit, etc. 

Hotel Hillview Guwahati

Among the Assam Hotels, Hotel Hillview is one of the Government approved hotels in Assam. The hotel offers good accommodation facilities at affordable prices. The hotel has an in-house restaurant, which serves the guests with all types of dishes. The hotel is also outfitted with both recreational and business facilities.

Hotels in Guwahati

BRAHMAPUTRA ASHOK HOTEL 3 STAR HOTEL
M.G. Road
Guwahati, Assam 781 001
Phone : +91 – 361 – 2602281, 2602282, 2602283, 2602284, 2600700
Fax : +91 – 361 – 2602289
Website: www.hotelbrahmaputraashok.com

DYNASTY HOTEL 4 STAR HOTEL
S.S Road, Lakhtokia
Guwahati- 781 001
Assam,
Tel: (+ 91 0361) 2516021 to 025, (+91 0361) 2515214/370
Mobile: +91 98643 51020
Fax: (+ 91 0361) 2514112
Website: www.hoteldynastyindia.com

GINGER GUWAHATI
IHM Campus
VIP Road, Upper Hengrabari, Borbari
Guwahati – 781036
Assam
Phone: +91 361 233 6333
Fax: +91 361 233 6336
Email: reservations.guwahati@gingerhotels.com

HOTEL AMBARISH
523, G.S. Road,
Ganeshguri Chariali,
Guwahati-781006,
Assam.

KUBER INTERNATIONAL HOTEL 3 STAR HOTEL
Hem Baruah Road, Fancy Bazar
Guwahati -781 001,
Assam

MAYUR HOTEL
A.T. Road, Paltan Bazar, (Opp. Shillong Bus Stand)
Guwahati 781 008,
Assam

NANDAN HOTEL 3 STAR HOTEL
G.S. Road, Paltan Bazar
Guwahati-781 008
Assam

RAJMAHAL HOTEL 4 STAR HOTEL
A.T. Road, Paltan Bazar
Guwahati-781 001 
Assam

VISHWARATNA HOTEL
Onkar Plaza, A.T. Road
Guwahati-781 001
Assam