Living Amongst the Gods
Majuli, the world’s largest riverine island, embodies a rich tapestry of cultural heritage rooted in Assam’s Vaishnava way of life. In this series, photographer Lonav Bharali captures vignettes that indicate how the island’s indigenous communities, across different ethnic backgrounds, are unified by a deeply held belief—that God exists in every form, be it human, animal, or floral. This belief seems to be reflected in the vast blue skies, the great swirling waters, and the verdant greenery, and also in the people and the animals walking past on the narrow paths.
Born and raised in Assam, Lonav has always felt a profound connection to this mystical land. Over a decade ago, during a period of personal conflict, he found himself drawn to Majuli. Amidst its serene landscapes, ancient Satras (monasteries), and capacious Namghars (places of congregational worship, he felt a strange peace—a sense of communion with both the surrounding world and the divine. The sacred music surrounds you on all sides and at different times of the day, transporting you suddenly to another world even as you are caught up with the pressing concerns of this world. Thus, he connected with the people’s shared devotion, their sense of community, and their unshakeable belief in equality beyond caste, religion, and colour.
Recently, after the passing away of his father, Lonav felt the spiritual pull of Majuli once again, seeking the same solace he had found many years ago. Returning with his camera, he set out to capture fragments from the timeless beauty of Majuli and its people for the world to see.
Through Lonav’s lens, we witness the belief of
“ek sarana naam dharma“—the surrender of oneself to God.
His images resonate with rich cosmological symbolism: in one, Lord Rama guides a boat and leads souls on their precarious journey through life, while Hanuman, the devoted companion, balances the boat on this quest.
In one image, Lord Hanuman is seen watching over the men which symbolises there is a divine superpower we know not of. But is it one or many?
The photographer feels that it depends on oneself who they choose to belief is the divine superpower.
Such symbolism acts a point of contact between life in the here and now and visions of the hereafter—a great narrative seems to be played out in front of us and it calls out to us to actively participate in it.
What is it about Majuli that can generate such peace in the hearts of inhabitants and passers-by? Is it the island’s natural beauty, or does something divine truly linger here in forms both seen and unseen?
These photos invite you to an island where the business of everyday living is carried out amidst the mighty Brahmaputra and under the boundless sky.
