Dibrugarh: Majuli, the world’s largest river island, will soon get a London-style double-decker bus to boost tourism. The announcement was made by Auniati Satra satradhikar Pitambar Dev Goswami shortly after he returned from a visit to London.Speaking to the media at Majuli on Tuesday, Goswami said the bus, currently under construction at Jalandhar in Punjab, will be formally launched during the upcoming Raas Purnima festivities, one of the most significant cultural celebrations that draws visitors from India and abroad.“During my visit to London, I was struck by how the double-decker bus has become a symbol of the city’s identity. I felt something similar could work wonderfully for Majuli, giving our visitors a novel way to explore the island while adding a distinct charm to our tourism landscape,” Goswami said.He added that the vehicle would allow tourists to view Majuli’s satras, wetlands and riverine landscape from an elevated vantage point, offering an experience unlike anything currently available on the island.Goswami said the initiative, paired with sustained efforts to promote Assamese culture internationally, would open a new chapter for both tourism and cultural outreach in Majuli. “Our goal is to blend tradition with innovation so that the world sees Majuli not only as a spiritual centre but also as a vibrant destination,” he said.During the interaction, Goswami announced two honours to be conferred this year through the Majuli Samanway Mancha. British scholar Richard Blurton will receive the Sankardev Research Award 2026, while Bob Blackman, a member of Parliament in the UK House of Commons, will be presented with the Sri Sri Damodardev Award 2026.Goswami said both had played a meaningful role in introducing the teachings of Srimanta Sankardev, Madhavdev and Damodardev, along with Assam’s broader Vaishnavite heritage, to audiences in the UK. “Their work has helped carry the philosophy and cultural richness of our satras beyond Assam and India. This recognition is our way of honouring that contribution,” he said.Goswami further conveyed his appreciation to Blurton and Blackman for their sustained engagement with Assamese Vaishnavite traditions. “We are deeply grateful to them for helping build a bridge between Majuli’s spiritual legacy and the international community,” he said.
