Barcelona : The City of Grand Architectures and Great Football

Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architect) Royal Gold Medal for its architecture; the first and the only time that a city a city had been announced winner, but not an individual architecture. It is not a surprise for those who have ever visited Barcelona. Let's check why?

La Sagrada Familia - this giant Basilica was designed by famous architect Antonio Gaudi. The construction of the building started in 1882, unfinished yet - still need another 30 to 80 years to be completed. That means it is very different from others and confirmed that with every single visit I shall see something new. Go and experience a architectural masterpiece of the primitive modern age's mind under its construction!

Las Ramblas is the most famous street not only of Barcelona but also in entire Spain. Here lies many Spanish cum Catalanian style hotels, restaurants and eye catching shops with products from all parts of Spain. Seeing street performers is another added attraction for most of the tourists.

The Magic Fountain of Montijuice is another widely known popular tourist attraction of Barcelona with the extravaganzas of water, light and music at night.

La Pedrera (Quarry) is another masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi with wavy bricks and colourful tiles. Once the building was called CasaMila.

I am telling about the tourist attractions of Barcelona. But speaking truly, Barcelona is mostly famous for Barcelona Football FC than anything else. And no doubt, over half of the tourists who went to Barcelona visit their sacred temple - the Barcelona FC Museum and Camp Nou (the stadium) like me. It is not only the largest football stadium of Europe but also of the entire world.

Oh sorry, I have just forgot about Antonio Gaudi who designed a wonderful park, called Park Guell. The park is amazingly attractive and large with no entry fees except the "Monumental Area". The house where Antonio lived also lies within the park. You can see eye catching structures within the park. Though to the "Monumental Area" you have to give some Euros from your pocket; you actually should not come back without entering. Generally there is always a long entrance queue to visit the area specially to see the dream like views of the beautiful city of Barcelona from ceramic tiles seating.

You are in Barcelona and know that there is Picasso Museum. Do you understand what I want to say? If you are a art lover I know that like Picasso Museum you will definitely not going to miss Miro Museum too at all.

The most picturesque square of the city is Placa Reial, situated just off La Rambla. People take coffee, bites of tasty foods, one mug of beer or otherwise use to visit just for relaxation there. See the square with its fine restaurants, bars and the attractive fountain; and do not forget to make your mind calm with two large distinctive lampposts.

Barcelona Cathedral and the golden sandy beaches also attract a lot of tourists into Barcelona. The beaches offers you both to see vibrant youths and experience healthy Spanish food at a cheap rate. Barceloneta is the most popular beach. On road to the beach one can see 'Monument a Colom'; a memorial to Columbus and picturesque Port Vell de Barcelona (port). Other popular beaches includes Ica'ria Beach, Marbella Beach and Sitges Beach. Sitges need a train journey of approximately 30 minutes from the city. There lies a number of beautiful hotels, unique architectural designs on the beaches. The most unique is the leaning monument, called 'Homenatge la Barceloneta'. Famous W Hotel also looks like a wonderful piece of fine architecture from the beach.

Due to both; wallet and time I could not experience Tibidabo Mountain; a very popular site. 22@district area - the name given to an urban renewal area in formerly industrial area of Poblenoue, The Castle of the Three Dragons - a museum of history, archaeology, biology and natural sciences and Palau Ncional - The National Art Museum of Catalonia are worth mentioning among another tourist attractions of Barcelona.

Barcelona Cathedral is situated in the historic old town of Gothic Quarter along with many buildings dated back even before Roman settlement.

It is good to note that travelers can take full advantage of Barcelona Metro System to reach the major tourist hotspots of the city.

Barcelona is also heaven for food lovers and people take eating very seriously. I think you are not going to experience anything bad with the food of the city. I found Gaspatxo (cold vegetable soup) before main course very interesting and coffee of the city very genuine. Apart from worldwide reputed healthy Spanish cuisine; Catalanian cuisine, the cuisine of the province is popular to a great extent; though not very cheap. It is an ancient Mediterranean style of cooking; mainly characterized by the aromas and herbs of the mountains in and around Barcelona.

So, do you have a average fat wallet? Think about Barcelona .......................


By Jonathan Green

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Historic Sivasagar

Heewohagor; as originally pronounced by the locals is really historic! Lets read this article to know why...

The area Sivasagar was the Ahom administrative seat for most of the years of their around 600 years long ruling period. There is hardly any place in and around the modern city of Sivasagar without some unique historical importances. Located at a very middle position of the Tai Ahom inhabited area of the state; Sivasagar is still regarded as the headquarter of this ethnic group of  the west portion of South East Asia.

During their rule the Ahoms constructed above 50 numbers of Dol (temples and temple like monuments)s; monuments of other categories as well as other structures in various places of Sivasagar. They had made a great number of tanks and ponds of different sizes too in modern Sivasagar and Charaideo districts - above 300 in numbers. Most of them were destroyed mainly due to the earthquakes. However the major cause of destruction in modern period is lack of preservation and maintenance as well as unhealthy industrial growth for these monuments.

The word sagar (originally pronounced locally as Hagor) literally mean sea. Visitors can feel the use of this term very proper; experiencing the titanic size of such sagars.

FACTS

• Chowlung Syukapha; a prince from the Tai Province of Myoung Mao established Ahom Kingdom comprising far eastern portions of the modern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland.
• Ahoms independently ruled over Brahmaputra valley as the leading power of Western Part of South East Asia from 1228 AD to 1826 AD.
• Chowlung means Great Dragon King (Chow = Great/Holy, Lung = Dragon/Full of Virtues); while Chowpha means Heavenly King (Chow = Respectful/Lord/King/Ruler, Pha/Fa= Heaven/A Place Where Exist Only Strict Righteousness, Discipline, Law and Order). In the history of Ahoms Chowlung Syukapha is regarded as the only Chowlung till now. Swargadeo is the Assamese meaning of Ahom word Chowpha.
• The official name of the Kingdom of the Ahoms was Myoung - Dun - Chaun - Kham; literally Land Full of Golden Gardens.

For the most of the years of their history the Tai Ahoms ruled over Assam from the capital cities of Garhgaon and Rongpur near the modern city of Sivasagar.

The Sivasagar tank, also known as Borpukhuri has the city heart on its bank; with the most attractive view of the city. The tank covers an area of around 130 acres. The depth is around 60 feet. The surface of the water is higher than the surrounding plains. Sivadol is the tallest structure on the bank, visible from almost every corners of city proper. Two other temples - Vishnudol and Devidol are situated within Sivadol campus.

Assam Tai Museum on the 'Bank of Borpukhuri' (Borpukhuripar) is regarded as the second most important museum in the state after Assam State Museum, showcasing many valuable collections. The Buddhist Vihar, Church and Masjid are some attractive modern structures added to the city heart.

Nobody should miss the ancient capital city of Rongpur which is situated side by side modern Sivasagar. The name is originally derived from the Ahom word Che (Ahom) = town / city (English) = pur / nagar (Assamese) and Mun (Ahom) = enjoy / happiness (English) = rong / ananda (Assamese); so literally the Town of Enjoyment. Rongpur remained Ahom metropolis from 1695 AD to 1795 AD.

Rangghar is the first amphitheater of Asia just outside the capital city of Rongpur at Rupohi Pothar. The two storied beautiful wooden building was constructed by King Rudrasingha to entertain public during Rongali Bihu with various means of games, sports and cultural exhibitions. Temporary bamboo pavilion was made inside the rampart (the surviving portion now have become a wall) of the campus. King Pramatta Singha replaced the wooden structure with bricks in the year 1748, having golden brown color. Another small Rangghar was made by him too, used only for the royals for short entertainment programs does not exist now. Both sides of the amphitheater has two dragon heads; having three Dol like structures between them.

FACTS

• The ancient name of Sivasagar proper was Kolonchupar. After the construction of Borpukhuri (Larger Tank) or Sivasagar tank the place came to be known as Sivapur and remained so till the British occupation of Ahom Kingdom.
• In the year 1838 British officials shifted the headquarters of Upper Assam from Rongpur to the modern city on the bank of Borpukhuri and thus the name Sivasagar officially adopted and started to develop as a modern town. Before that almost entire modern districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo were known as Rongpur.

Talatal Ghar and Joysagar tank is situated near Rangghar. Talatal Ghar, the second residence of the Ahom Swargadeos from the rule of Rudrasingha was originally a seven storied building. Three underground and four over ground. Now only one floor is in a good condition. The lower floors has now no way for entrance. Top three floors were destroyed. But still the poorly preserved and researched place worth visiting; visitors may imagine the old glory of this gigantic sized structure. It is strongly believed, having historical proof that the bottom most ground of Talatal Ghar has two underground tunnels to the nearby Dikhow river and another to the old capital city of Gharhgaon at a 10 km distance. Suspicion and measurements to prove this fact as unreal is more than that of real inquiry and neutral researches.

Golaghar or Kharghar is situated to the south - west direction of Talatal Ghar within Rongpur campus; where arms and ammunition were stored. The building was constructed by Swargadeo Rudrasingha in the year 1704. The holes on the building walls were used to place medium sized canons against any possible attack.

Joysagar is situated outside of old Rongpur city area. Joysagar tank is one among the largest man made water bodies in the world. The tank, summoned by King Rudrasingha needed only 45 days to be completed. It was dedicated to his mother at Jerenga Pothar, where his mother Kunwori Joymoti attained martyrdom for the sake of country. As the dead body of Joymoti was not found he established a gold image of her at her possible death place to the north of the tank, to construct a stone and brick Maidam; looks more like a Dol but with a flat top. Princes Joymoti's symbolic Maidam is also known as Fakuwa Dol as the Assamese festival of color was observed there. The Rangnath Sivadol is adjacent to this Maidam. The north - eastern bank of Joysagar has five Dols : Keshabrai Vishnu Dol, Vaidyanath Siva Dol, Sri Surjya Mandir, Sri Ganesh Mandir and Devidol, Keshabrai. Vishnu Dol is also known as Joydol due to its charm, generally make visitors memorize the real cause of the construction of the grand campus. The Dol also has an image of King Rudrasingha riding on horseback.

The entire Joysagar site was constructed by king Rudrasingha (1696 -1714) having Ghanashyam Khanikar as the main architect. Ghanashyam Khanikoror Ghor (The House of Architect Ghanashyam) is still under a situation to be explored. The person from the western portion of Assam (Koch Rajbongshi Territory of Assam Proper, now under North Bengal) had designed some of the Ahom architectural masterpieces over old geometry of wooden buildings. Sadly he had to be executed due to the fact that he tried to draw, stole and carry Ahom engineering and architectural secrets of the metropolis.Constructed during the reign of Rajeswar Singha (1751 - 1769); his Ghor, a monument dedicated to him is the place where visitors can witness the best terracotta art of the indigenous artist at the south - west corner of Joysagar tank.

Between the Old Rongpur and the modern city of Sivasagar visitors can see a famous suspension bridge of Assam, known as Dikhowr Kopi Loga Dollong; popular throughout the state, constructed in the year 1935. It was the second bridge of Braithwaite Co. (India) Ltd, Calcutta; the maker of Howrah Bridge. The bridge is now restricted for vehicles. Sadly it was a bridge which gave passes for the ships of river Dikhou to the mighty river Luit; having no function now.

Uttaran Jadughar (The Uttaran Museum) at Borduar of Joysagar is a must to experience attraction while visiting Sivasagar. An initiative of Durlabh Borah. Check it if you want to feel your Sivasagar trip to be really completed. It is a example that individuals can do and maintain better than the government in some cases in Assam.

Kareng Ghar - The Royal Palace of the Ahom Swargadeos at old capital city Garhgaon site is the best place to experience Ahom engineering and architecture. It is a seven storied grand structure, regarded as the finest medieval architecture and tourist hotspot in North East India.

FACTS

• Sivasagar Tank, Sivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol was constructed by the second Chief Queen of King Sivasingha; Ambika from 1733 AD to 1734 AD.
• Having beautiful designs Rangghar, Kareng Ghar and Talatal Ghar had wooden doors and windows, which were later used at the office of Assam Tea Company at Nazira.

Gaurisagar is also a very popular tourist site of Sivasagar for international tourists, having four Dols on a giant tank; constructed by Bor Raja Fuleswari - the first chief queen of Swargadeo Sivasingha. Among the Dols; Gorokhiya Dol became almost a ruin due to natural causes. The tank Gaurisagar is ranked just after Joysagar. Gaurisagar has a stone bridge too, namely Namdang Heelor Haknu over a small tributary river Namdang, giving the national highway a space for connectivity. Almost 300 years old, the bridge witnessed war tanks of WW II and 1950's deadly earthquake. Now experiencing havoc from climatic condition and neglect regarding proper preservative measures. The bridge has a special reputation for the researchers of ancient engineering.

Now if you are going to Charaideo Maidam Site, remember the fact that the first permanent capital of the Ahom dynasty is the most important tourist attraction of Sivasagar. The original name was Che - Rai - Doi in Tai Ahom language; meaning Che = Town, Rai = Bright, Doi = Hill; so - The Bright Town Atop Hill. But the official name was Che - Tam - Doi Che - Lung - Kham and generally called as Che - Doi - Kham, Doi - Che, Doi - Che - Lung or simply Doi. It remained capital city almost for 173 years from Chowlung Syuakapha to Chowpha Taokhamti. Almost all of the members of Royal Ahom Ruling Families were buried at Charaideo. However the heads of the last independent Chutiya king and Turbak Hussain Khan (Commander in Chief of Indian Sultanate's Bengal Region) was buried at Charaideo too according to the customary tribute system of the Ahoms. One being a neighboring king and other for his vigorous warfare; who lost his last battle against the might of Ahom women militia.

The maidams were mainly designed with a vault to preserve the bodies of deceased royal members and a wooden or brick mausoleum over where vast quantity of soil was laid spherically; having a temple like structure at the top. Most of the maidams are two storied with a few three storied maidams. Visitors can see hundreds of maidams with different sizes line by line at Charaideo within a area of around 6 km radius. The area was actually much larger but occupied by many arrogant occupiers and so why now the Grand Royal Burial Ground is remained limited within a small radius. Charaideo is regarded as the most sacred spiritual site not only by the real Ahoms but also all the ethnic people of the region who are grateful towards the greatness for this mighty Tai group on Brahmaputra valley; but still not preserved and maintained properly.

The looting of the maidams was started in 1662 AD. Charaideo - one of the most important tourist sites of Assam still need more care, supervision, preservation and development.

The district has two Dargahs of sufi saints; a place of prayer and worship for all. Ajan Peer Dargah at Charaguri Chapori and Harat Khokander Peer Dargah at Panbecha, just at a few km distance from the district headquarter.

Sri Sri Ramkhapith Devalaya is situated at Dikhowmukh. Ramkhapith was established by the Kachari and Chutiya kings 800 years before the arrival of the Ahoms according to the popular oral traditions. In 1240 Chowlung Syukapha organized his victory ceremony there. However the temple was built only in the year 1869 by King Lakshmi Singha.

Apart from the historical monuments, Sivasagar also provide good facility for nature enthusiasts; specially that of bird lovers due to the presence of Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary at just a distance of around 15 km from the city. Bakhor Bengena is another prime natuaral attraction within an typical rural environment of Sivasagar. All the attempts to reproduce Bakhor Bengena tree (Rendia Ulizinsa) have been failed. The 30 feet high 700 years old tree is located at Bakata - Patsaku area, a few km from the city. Ahom kings preserved this tree and according to the tradition Ancient Chinese Royal Campus also had such tree. According to some of the traditions the Bakhor Bengena tree was send as a gift from Chinese Court to Borahi Court and accordingly King Mahamanikya planted the tree, following Royal Mongolian Tradition of the period before Ahom Age had started.

Here if you finished your sightseeing - I think Disang Mukh, Dilihi Mukh (here the word mukh means confluence of two rivers) and Borxil (locally pronounced Borhil) are some of the picturesque spots where you should go for great relaxation and if interested to have a small picnic party. Do not forget that Disang Mukh host The Disang Mukh Festival at every winter to entertain tourists with rural accommodation, dance, music and local delicacies.

Other Attractions of the District
Names : Types : Current Status

• Dijokona Stone Bridge    : Engineering / Architecture    : Endangered
• Rohdoi Stone Bridge    : Engineering / Architecture    : Endangered
• Nafuk Stone Bridge   : Engineering / Architecture   : Endangered
• Chintamoni Garh or Kotarikhona Garh    : Engineering/Rampart    : Almost Extinct
• Rupohijan (Rampart's Man made Stream)    : Engineering    : Almost Extinct
• Moglow Pukhuri    : Pond/Monument    : Preserved
• Harmoti Garh    : Engineering/Rampart    : Endangered
• Thowra Dol    : Architecture/Monument    :  Preserved
• Bogidol and Pond    : Architecture/Monument    : Preserved
• Rudrasagar    : Tank/Monument    : Endangered
• Gojpuria Ali or Bor Ali (Road) and Eta Jan (Man Made Stream): Engineering : Almost Extinct
• Institute of Tai Studies and Research, Moran    : Educational and Research    : Active
• Joysagar College    : Educational Hub    : Active
• Maheswar Dol or Garakhiya Dol, Mai Dol and Pond : Architecture/Monument   : Endangered
• Khonakhukura Pukhuri and Silpukhuri (Ponds), Puroni Ali (Road), Nitai Pukhuri (Pond), Kopon Pukhuri (Pond), Bhoga Pukhuri (Pond)and Tangondhowa Pukhuri (Pond) located on the way from Garhgaon to Ramkhapith    : Historical Monuments    : Preserved

How to Reach

• The nearest airports are at Dibrugarh, Jorhat and Dimapur.
• Though the city has a train station, the major trains passes through Simaluguri Railway Junction.
• Almost all the major cities of north - east India has good road connectivity with Sivasagar.
• Adventurous visitors in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Combodia and South China may come to Sivasagar via Myanmar.

How to Explore Sivasagar
Apart from hired SUVs; Tuktuks are another best option to explore the city and other surrounding attractions. Most of the Tuktuk drivers are aware of Sivasagar's tourism. Some of them are even good in speaking English. Travelers may try to hire such one. Tuktuks are colorful and resemble their Thai counterparts. According to our latest information the Tuktuks are mostly replaced by Battery Rickshaw.


By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi in collaboration with Bhupati Raj Baruah.

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Singpho Eco-Lodge

• Location: Inthong, Ketetong, Margherita, Assam.
• Email: singhphoecolodge@gmail.com
• Mobile: +91 9854438896

For the last 20 years, in researching Tribal Languages of Upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, I have had the opportunity to stay in tribal villages, to learn the language and learn about the culture and everyday life of village people from many different communities.

These different tribal communities include Tai Aiton, Tai Phake and Tai Khamyang, where Tai language is still spoken and also the Tai Ahom, where unfortunately the Tai language mother tongue has been lost but Tai language lives on in ritual. Then there are the Singpho villages in Upper Assam and the Turung villages, where Singpho language is spoken, in Jorhat and Golaghat. More recently I have had the chance to stay in various Tangsa (Naga) villages from many subtribes, particularly Tonglum, Hakhun, Kimsing, Mossang, Ronrang, Moklum, Longri, Langching, Ponthai, Maitai and Ngaimong.

The Singpho village of Ing Thong, near to Margherita, is a small settlement of just two houses in the middle of a large tea garden. Once upon a time the village must have been larger, because Ing Thong is a Burmese word meaning ‘1000 houses’, but now there are just two. Ing Thong is a special village, though, with two really special tourist attractions – the Singpho Eco Lodge and a wild Horlock’s Gibbon called Kalaya.

When I first went there in 2003, thanks to the generous help of the late Ramjan Ali, I stayed in the house of the local community leader, Mr. Bhupeswar Ningda. In the morning, while waking up, I heard this extraordinary noise. I did not know what it was, but soon a gibbon appeared, a female aged about 30, who is like a family member in this household, and comes to the edge of the house. She is called Kalaya and has been carefully looked after for many years.

In the years that followed, the entrepreneurial family of Ningda, and their son-in-law, Mr. Manje La Singpho, constructed a tourist lodge, the Singpho Eco Lodge. Built in traditional style, up from the ground, made of bamboo with a thatched roof, the Eco Lodge is a gorgeous place to stay for tourists, visitors and researchers like me alike. I was honoured to be the first foreign guest at the lodge, and really appreciate the wonderful food that they make their, traditional Singpho dishes using all manner of local forest vegetables – mostly boiled, and with plenty of chilli but not too many spices. My favourite is bamboo shoot and banana flower, truly delicious!

Traditionally Singpho people take their meal around sunset or a little later and sleep reasonably early, and they also wake early. In the winter season, which is when I usually go there, at around 6 AM people will sit around the fire – maybe outside in the rising sun – to take a warm cup of tea, or, if you are lucky, some rice cooked in a bamboo tube, or some yams cooked in the fire. 

At night, in the Singpho villages, I have enjoyed the telling of stories, stories about the origin of Singpho people or about the life of the Lord Buddha, in whom the Singpho people place great faith and whose teaching they follow. My bonus point as a linguistic......

After all my advice; if you want to have a long term 'Escape Holiday' in Assam and ready to live with a warm heart traditional family out of the hustle and bustle of Assam's unhealthy modernization cum urbanization.....NO DOUBT ONE OF THE BEST OPTION IS TO RESERVE THIS LODGE FOR YOU!

By Stephane Moorey

Photography by Stephane Moorey

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Holy Hajo

Taking the temple of Hayagriva as the most important shrine; the city was full of red, white and blue colored religious, public and private buildings. The sacred city was looked majestic more not only with its buildings but also with planned and clean roads having many artistic fountains. The ponds looked like green carpets with blue spots, otherwise pink carpets with green and blue spots while lotus flowers used to bloom. We are speaking about Hajo; - the Sacred City of Apunarbhava of ancient Assam.

The modern town of Hajo probably cannot offer you such a majestic view. But the town is still regarded as sacred and offer a lot of attractions to be visited and experience the holiness of Hajo.

Hajo is the confluence of three major religious orders of the world - Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

The most sacred shrine of Hajo is situated at the temple of Hayagriva Madhava. The ancient temple is situated on a hillock, namely Manikut; constructed in 6th century AD by the kings of Kamrupi Pala Dynasty. Most of the Buddhists of the Himalayas believe the place holy as the Mahaparinirvan (death) seat of Lord Buddha, while the Hindus offer their dedication as a Vishnu temple. Hayagriva Madhava, Dwitiya Madhava, Gadura, Govinda and Basudev are chief of its worshiped deities. The Lamas offer their prayer to its main idol as Namo Guru. But the Hindus worship the presiding deity as Narasimha, the lion head and human body form of Vishnu. Koch King Raghudev summoned the re - construction of the present temple building in the year 1583, with beautiful stone art having the rows of elephants. The shape of the temple is octagonal which is about 30 feet in diameter. The big pond near the temple is known as Madhava Pukhuri, densely populated by tortoises and fishes. Ahom King Pramatta Singha constructed another structure adjacent to the main temple in the year 1750, known as Dol Griha. The campus surroundings has scenic beauty of green fields, forests and hills.

All of the scenery from the tops of the hills in Hajo are praiseworthy. All the sacred spots of Hajo are regarded holy by all religious sects. No exception to the popular Powa Mecca (locally Puwa Mokka), meaning a quarter of Mecca. A prince of Iraq, namely Ghiyasuddin Auliya, who had turned into a preacher came to ancient Kamrup kingdom with a lump of earth of Mecca; enshrined it on the top of Gadurachal hill in 12th century AD. The mosque was built at a later stage It is believed that visitors can earn one powa (one quarter) of blessing and spiritual enlightenment associated with he pilgrimage of Mecca with visiting Powa Mecca. So, basically a person can gain the whole enlightenment by visiting Poa Mecca four times in his lifetime.

Kedereswar Devalaya, another tourist hotspot of Hajo is situated atop Madanachal hill. The metal bowl covered huge Sivalinga of the temple is popularly known as Swayambhu (self originated) Linga. The temple of the devalaya was constructed by Ahom king Rajeswar Singh in 1753.

The Ganesh Temple of Hajo is also known as Deva Bhawan because according to the tradition once it was the meting point of all deities. Made out from a giant natural elephant shaped rock in 1744 under the supervision of Ahom officials in Lower Assam. It is the gateway to Kamaleswar temple; a prominent Siva temple. Joy Durga temple was situated near these temples, constructed by Ahom king Lakshminath Singh in 1774.

Hajo includes an important Vaishnavite Satra too, namely Dhoporguri. The satra was established by Madhabdev in 1587 to expand vaishnavism in Assam. The original three rooms satra had many new construction throughout the centuries.

The relaxed Hajo become heavily vibrated specially during the festival of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. The Bhogali Bihu of Hajo at Madhava temple has an unique reputation for its traditional Bulbuli Sorair Jhuz (Bulbuli Bird's Fight). The amazing traditional sport is participated by two groups of Hajo locality - Bharalitola and Sonaritola. The preparation begins before two months from the event. Apart from this festival people of all religions prepare and gather together to observe Dol (the Assamese festival of color) at Dol Griha; which was specially established for that purpose, - and Urs at Powa Mecca.

Boat Race (Naokhel) is a very popular form of sports and entertainment among the locals. The locals has great interest in it and the National Dragon Boat Racing Championship at Pit - Kati Beel is used to be observe every year.

River Puthimari provide tourists great natural view and easy access for fishing and angling in Hajo.

FACTS

• Probably Hajo acted as the Capital City of Kamarupa Kingdom during its last period (13th Centaury AD).
• A 16th centaury Tantric work Yogini Tantra, also called Hajo Bishnupuskar is believed to be written in Hajo.
• Hajo is also known as Manikutgram in the Darrang Rajbanshavali (The Royal Chronicle of Darrang).
• Hajo was the capital city of the eastern portion of divided Koch Kingdom in 16th century. This portion of Koch Kingdom was known as Koch Hajo; ruled by Raghudev; nephew of Great Koch King Naranarayan and son of his brother, one of the  Greatest General of Assam Chilarai.
• Due to the political alliance of Kochbeher (western Koch kingdom) with the Mughals; Koch Hajo soon become a satellite cum protected kingdom of Ahom Emperors as a part of the united ethnic groups of the region.

By Jishnu Dolakakhoria
Photography by Dr. Neel Konwar

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Hotel Little Palace

• Location : AT Road, Dibrugarh, Assam - 786001
• Website : www.hotellp.com

The palace is really little as a hotel but a lovely and affordable for all to stay building in a big city like Dibrugarh. One of the best positive side of the hotel is that it is situated on the very bank of mighty Brahmaputra and Dibrugarh Town Railway Station located at a little distance.

Visitors should choose upper floor rooms for amazing view of the mighty river. The rooms near the road are a little bit noisy; specially before good night time. Presence of Brahmaputra gives little Palace a relaxing and within the nature feeling. Visitors also can choose the embankment for a fresh morning walk. The little hotel hardly has any opportunity for campus development but a lot regarding interior and room improvement. Some of the rooms has excess use of mirror.

The service is good though room service need some care. Little Palace has a very friendly and polite staff. Having a nice bar the hotel serve great food. Their complimentary Breakfast Buffet is admired by most of the guests. Most of the locals, mainly families visit the hotel's restaurant because of their good food as well as service.

The hotel is fit for all types of tourists and visitors, at a location to access not only the entire important city attractions but also for short trips to any important tourist locations of the nearby districts of Tinisukia and Sivasagar.

Above all the hotel provide comfortable accommodation facility with no need to go outside for food service at a very reasonable rate. However guests should always inspect the rooms as the rooms are mostly different from each to other. And be intelligent before ordering your meal.

By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi

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Uzes and Pont Du Gard

The center of the vibrant town of Uzes is now regarded as a protected historical monument. The area is a charming mixture of medieval stone houses and modern town houses. The town is surrounded by a broad boulevard that completely surrounds the historic center. The tourist office is situated at the center area and generally tourists start their day from here with a map of the town that includes all the places of interest; provided by the tourism office. A pretty square, called Place aux Herbes; surrounded by attractive stone houses and arcades and a large stone fountain; is a masterpiece of art. The Wednesday Morning Market and Saturday Market for the entire day held at the square.

The most important monument in Uzes is the Duke's Castle. The medieval Garden of the town is popular too especially due to the fact that their lies two medieval towers :- Tour de I'Eveque (12th century) and Tour de Roi (13th century). Here tourists get the opportunity to climb the Tour de Roi to access amazing views around the town and countryside near it.

Another particular spot of Uzes is the Window Tower (la tour fenestrelle). An Italian style round stone tower with several pairs of arched windows. This beautiful 42 meter high architecture stats next to The Cathedral of Saint Theodorit - obviously a tourist attraction. The 18th century Church of Saint - Etinne is another attraction south to the historic center. The nearby area of the tower provide facility to see far reaching views across the Eure Valley including Pavillon Racine. A small building with a doomed room; originally one of the tower of the defensive walls of the town was named after famous writer Racine.

Hotel des Monnaies and Hotel Chanbond la Tour are two architectural attractions; dated back to Renaissance period. Being a small town it is possible to access the entire town on foot.

La Cocalier, north to Uzes is one of the most impressive cave systems in France. The system includes both spectacular rock formations and evidence of prehistoric habitation. The water park near the town is also very popular at a lovely natural setting in Bouscarasse.

If Pont du Gard is the main or only attraction for a tourist he can get in Uzes by air; directly connected to Marsille.

The village of Vers - Pont - du - Gard is situated near the aqueduct of Pont du Gard with a very small population of around 1800 inhabitants. Majority of the people are engaged with tourism related professions. The village had an old history dated back to medieval period. A medieval tower is situated in the village is very beautiful. Rue Grand du Borg, the main street of the village has the town hall and basic village shops like butcher shop, bakery, bookshop, cafe and a Pizza Restaurant. Near the clock tower the village cafe (Las Voutes) is located to offer visitors the typical food of the locality. Vers - Pont - du - Gard is touched by the medieval walls of the old village.

The village has three wash houses (Lavoirs), built in the last part of the 19th century. Three of the wash houses has different names :- The Grand Font; a circular structure at the southeast edge of the old village center, The Lavoir Font d'lsiere at the western edge of the village and The Lavoir Fountain de Misserand at the southeast edge of the village.

Vers - Pont - du - Gard is a very lovely and vibrant village. Almost all the shops remain open for entire week. There exists some Stone Quarries, active from the days of the Romans till today; situated at a very short distance north to the village.

Pont du Gard; the most popular tourist attraction of Southern France was made by the Romans in the 1st century CE. is now regarded as one among the most visited tourist sites in Europe.The construction of this Arch Bridge was completed probably between 40 AD to 60 AD. The main purpose was to supply the city of Nemausus with water, drawing it from the natural spring that produces world famous Perrier brand; which is popular even today. The Pont du Gard strides across the Gardon tributary river near the ancient Roman city's site.

It is not just a water system and great engineering achievement, but also an architectural masterpiece. An great ancient engineering achievement because the blocks, weighing up to six tons were set in place without the use of mortar. This technique of the Romans was known as Opus Quadratum.

There are three levels of this aqueduct cum footbridge. 161 feet in height, have 52 arches. The top level is 902 feet long. The primary building materials of The Pont du Gard is shelly limestone, available in and around the local area. It is said that probably around one thousand workers took three years to complete the project of Pont du Gard. They used very simple tools to shape the blocks and set them into place.

A road bridge was added to the structure in 1743 and it became a famous attraction, especially after that construction. The road bridge was used till 1996.

The visitors center' is where the ticket machine and information center are located. The center also includes restrooms, snack bar, bistro, souvenir boutiques, bookshops etc. It also has "Discovery" areas, with an interactive museum and an educational kids playground. Pont du Gard is one of the France's top five tourist destination and regarded as one among the best family destinations in France.

There is a 1.4 km marked trail around the site from where visitors can see the river and the bridge from all angles. Guided walks across the top of the Pont du Gard can be done during July and August.

The bridge is maintained by Public Association of Cultural Cooperation (since 2003). It is great to see that the officials offer all types of necessary facilities to help disable persons to visit the site. Not only at the main site, there is always a load of parking and visitors at the nearby areas; commonly on the banks of river Gauche and river Droit for picnic and sunbath. For the visitors some wooden platforms were constructed as view points. Groups comes from all over the world to engage themselves in various types of water sports in and around Pont du Gard.

Cycling is very popular for most of the tourists. They choose cycling to reach the main site from nearby towns and cities. More adventurous souls do not hesitate to have an kayaking experience or rent balloons to reach the site.

The entire site is dotted with cafes, restaurants and snack bars. Less Terrasses Cafe - Restaurant is the most popular one with a reasonably priced French menu. For the night bed all of the nearby urban centers provide accommodation of all monetary ranges. Avignon (25 km), Castillon - du - Gard (3 km), Collias (6 - 8 km), Remoulins (4 km) and most popularly Uzes (13 km) are some nearest urban centers; where huge numbers of visitors do book their beds.

Uzes has a varieties of French restaurants with good foods. However for a very traditional French taste Millezime is regarded among the bests to have awesome food and wine. However it should be rememberd that most of the tourists outside from France should request the foods; specially that of meat and fish items to have some more heat. The French like to eat their meat above slightly raw.

All the experiences of Uzes and Pont du Gard can be explained with just some words ...... Lovely, Vibrant, Knowledgeable and no doubt Tasty!.........

By Jonathan Green

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