TITLE: Cycle of Life

My journey to Majuli in December 2023, the world’s largest river island nestled in the heart of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, was a voyage into tranquility and timeless beauty. Majuli’s landscape, a serene expanse of lush greenery, meandering waterways, and traditional stilt houses, creates a picture of rustic charm and natural splendor.

One misty morning, I set out to explore the island’s quiet beauty and stumbled upon a scene that perfectly encapsulated Majuli’s essence. Through the soft veil of fog, I spotted a lone cyclist making his way across a delicate bamboo bridge. The bridge, swaying gently under the weight of the bicycle, seemed almost ethereal in the morning mist, a fragile link between the earth and the sky. This solitary figure against the vast, mist-shrouded landscape told a story of simplicity, resilience, and harmony with nature.

I learned that this bridge was constructed by a local villager with his own money to support his fellow villagers, enabling them to cross over to the main town from their village. This delicate bridge is the only link they have, and during the monsoon, it often gets washed away. Post-monsoon, the resilient villagers rebuild the bridge, restoring their vital connection to the outside world. The people of Majuli live in close-knit communities, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the river and the seasons.

This journey to Majuli was a reminder of the quiet, understated beauty that exists in the world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It was a chance to witness and live a slow life that is harmonious and deeply rooted in tradition. Through my lens, I aimed to capture not just a moment, but the soul of Majuli.

AUTHOR: Karthik Samprathi (India)