The northeastern state of the country, Assam is the most accessible one among others. It has a significant rich history with many pieces of evidence of human settlement since the stone age. It is quite famous for its rich flora and fauna, unique dance forms, vibrant traditions, and delicious traditional cuisine. Having to share a border with Bangladesh and Bhutan, their culture has also influenced Assam’s way of life. Being one of the seven sister states, Assam is beyond the common facts that have got popular over the passing years.10 things we bet you didn’t know about Assam:

1. Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghar

Naam Ghar has a lamp that has been burning for 484 years. Naamghar means a place of worship and the lamp was lighted by the revered saint in 1461; since then the priests residing in the Naam Ghar religiously refuels it for continuous burning. Amazing isn’t it?

2. It has its own State anthem

Unlike many states in the country, Assam surprisingly has a state anthem. Adopted in 1927; a very famous poet, local to the area, Lakshminath Bezbaroa., wrote ‘O Mur Apunar Dex’.

3. World’s largest river island 

Majuli island is the largest river island in the world. Being on the Brahmaputra river, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is a jewel of Assam. However, it is shrinking day by day due to soil erosion. Residents of Majuli practice handloom, fishing, and agriculture as their common occupations.

4. India’s very own Hogwarts

Mayong in Morigaon district is alleged land of black magic and witchcraft. People believe that black magic and sorcery are practiced in this region and are passed on from generation to generation. Apart from dark magic, Mayong is also famous for its interesting wildlife. It is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. 

5. Jonbeel Mela 

A three-day fair; held during Magh Bihu weekend in Dayang Belguri at Jonbeel, in Assam’s Morigaon district. It dates back to the 15th century; people still trade in the centuries-old barter system. The ‘mela’ was begun by the Ahom rulers to keep up with great relations among the native Assamese community. 

6. Asia’s oldest refinery

Digboi refinery in Tinsukia is the oldest refinery in the entire Asian continent. Commissioned in 1901, surprisingly it is still operational. It is the most important among many heritage sites of India. The contract of this factory put Assam on the map. The region is also famous for its architecture which remains from the pre-independence period. 

7. Bihu is celebrated thrice here

Bihu marks the period of progress and is the principal festival in the North-Eastern states. But in Assam; it is celebrated thrice a year. People honor the occasion in mid-April, mid-January, and then again in the last week of October.

Know more about festivals celebrated in NorthEastern states- https://indiachalk.com/blog/lhosar-a-celebration-of-joy-and-abundance/

8. Food Haven

It is no surprise that Assam is very famous for its momos and thukpa, but what is new is you will find fine food from all the other states as well. And if that was not enough some places even specialize in world cuisines. 

9. Kamakhya Temple

As a matter of fact, Kamakhya temple is one of the oldest shakti peeths among 51 others. It is dedicated to the Kamakhya Devi; another form of Goddess Kali and is located in Guwahati. The annual fair, Ambuchi mela, organized in June attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe. 

10. Lush tea gardens

Though not very uncommon, the list wouldn’t have been complete without mentioning the tea gardens. Assam’s tea gardens are not only famous in India; but also its finest tea leaves are exported outside. However, A hot pipe of tea is always welcome at any time of the day. 

Being ‘first’ and ‘world’s only’ for quite many things, Assam is way beyond the mainstream and typecasts. Not to mention the unique region has gems and jewels that are unexplored and diverse wildlife which makes it a lucrative location for millions of tourists every year. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, dense forests, and greener than green tea gardens, Assam has incomparable scenic beauty.