Assam's Vaishnava Island under threat

[Guest guest]

Even members of local Vaishnav (followers of Hindu God Vishnu)

monasteries say they will have to leave Majuli if erosion continues.

 

Known as "satras", these are monastic institutions that enshrine the

essence of the Vaishnav faith and spread the teachings of the sect's

saint - Sankardeva.

 

There are 22 such monasteries in Majuli, which act as the centre of

Assamese culture with their traditional prayer form, a 500-year old

open air theatrical custom, colourful boat races, classical dances

and handicrafts.

 

"We will be forced to move if no action is taken to solve the flood

problem and end erosion," said Golap Baruah, a senior member of a

local monastery.

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3117371.stm