Purvanchal
Purvanchal, the most enchanting land in northeastern India !! Known to us as the
North East or Seven Sisters! A region so important because of its abundant natural
resources, rich historical milieu and political and strategic significance!! Purvanchal is
bifurcated into the 8 states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura !! Each state, distinct in its own way. So
let’s get on with the tour of an alluring Purvanchal.
An important facet of the tour of Purvanchal is the river ‘Brahmaputra’, India’s sole
male river. Going by its immensity and huge waves, it would not be wrong to call it
an ‘ocean’. Sometimes, the vast expanse of Brahmaputra makes it impossible to see
the opposite bank. The river ranks first in India and fifth in the world. The birth of
Brahmaputra dates back to the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shuddh Ashtami or
‘Ashokashtami, which falls in the month of March/April. The river originates along
with Sindhu, Zanskar, Satlaj and Tsangpo from Manasarovar. Then, Sindhu and
Zanskar flow into India, forming a confluence near Leh and then further flow into
Pakistan. Satluj gurgles and meanders through the beautiful valleys of Kashmir and
enters Pakistan. Tsangpo and Brahmaputra unite further to become Padma and merge
into the Bay of Bengal.
An interesting anecdote describes the life of Brahmaputra beautifully! The river
originated in Tibet, spent its adulthood in India and finally goes on to merge in
Bangladesh. Isn’t it all so thrilling??! Nature’s vastness, greatness and depth has
manifested in Brahmaputra.
From its origin in Tibet, the river enters India through Arunachal Pradesh. Traversing
a journey of around 2,500 km, it merges into the Bay of Bengal, and has been a
witness since primeval times. The famous battle of Harihar, which was fought on its
banks between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is now in Tejpur.
Brahmaputra is indeed a blessing to Purvanchal. On entering India, the river showers
its blessings on the land around, making it fertile and the rivers perennial. However,
Tibet is not that fortunate. But what is a blessing is also a menacing curse. Frequent
earthquakes and landslides in the region often lead to the river changing its course.
Floods wreak havoc.
Nevertheless, the Brahmaputra is revered for the benevolence it bestows on the
inhabitants of its banks. An interesting tourist attraction of Brahmaputra is Majulj,
Asia’s biggest sweet water island that was formed when an earthquake rocked the
region 400 years ago. The island is home to a population of 1.5 lakh natives.
Interestingly, the smallest sweet water island Umanand is also situated in the
Brahmaputra. A cruise to this island through Brahmaputra makes for an exhilarating
experience.
One must definitely visit the Brahmaputra to savour its grandiosity !!
My sincere Obeisance to this Mighty Brahmaputra!
Spruha Bhave
Iha Nature Holidays
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