Brahmaputra Beach Festival: Celebrating a River of Joy

The sunny brand new year in Assam colours the minds of its people with the spirit of festivity. Assam celebrates the Brahamputra Beach Festival in the month of January, on the ravine beaches of the mighty Brahmaputra river. Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association, Guwahati, organises this festival, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Assam. This festival coincides with the harvest festival of Assam, which is known as Magh Bihu.
During the Brahmaputra Beach Festival, the ravine beaches around Brahmaputra take the shape of fairs, attracting tourists from both within the state and outside. From egg breaking and cock fighting, to kite flying competitions and solo dancing, the beach festivals cover a wide ambit of traditional sports and entertainments. At the same time, for the more adventurous, various water sports are also being organized on the Brahmaputra. The water sports options in this festival include canoeing, water rafting and wind surfing among others. Sit and draw competitions for the children are being held on the beaches, and exhibitions of traditional crafts of the state are also part of these beach fairs. Succinctly, this is one festival where some fun for everyone is there, irrespective of age and mindset. The festival manages to amply reflect the rich traditions and culture of the state.