Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a very special place in Majuli—a centre for manuscript painting on bark, locally known as Sanchi Pat. This art is old, beautiful, and full of life. It has been practised here for centuries, and today, it continues to bloom in the peaceful surroundings of Garmur Satra.
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A Cultural Pilgrimage to Garmur Satra, Majuli
Perched in the serene Garmur Satra one of the major monasteries on Majuli island, lies a living centre dedicated to the ancient art of manuscript painting on Sanchi Pat (agarwood bark) The Guru Griha nexplore.org+11majuli.assam.gov.in+11Kiomoi+11. This place is more than a workshop—it is a cultural repository where history, craftsmanship, and community meet.
Meeting the Torchbearer: Mridul Baruah
The moment I stepped into the centre, I was greeted with the gentle smile of Mr. Mridul Baruah, the man behind it all. Mridul da, as many call him, is not just an artist—he is a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of tradition. He learned this art from his forefathers and has now taken it upon himself to keep it alive and growing.
Sanchi Pat is not just about painting on tree bark. It is a way of expressing our culture, our faith, and our everyday life. The bark is carefully prepared and polished, and the colours are made from natural things like flowers, minerals, and herbs. Then, with calm hands and a patient heart, the artist paints scenes from mythology, village life, and nature. Each piece feels like a window into the past.
Heritage Honored with a GI Tag
A recent milestone: Majuli manuscript painting has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, along with Majuli mask-making earlier in 2024. This official recognition not only protects the craft’s identity but also opens new avenues in markets and cultural revival asiainch.org+8The Indian Express+8adda247+8. The GI tag adds both prestige and potential economic uplift for the artisans.
Partnerships Fostering Growth
Major organisations such as the Department of Handloom & Textiles and NABARD have partnered with the centre to help diversify the product offerings. Traditional script scrolls and paintings are now transformed into modern keepsakes—bookmarks, notebooks, wall hangings, lampshades—bridging age-old beauty with functional design.
Cultivating Livelihoods through Training
What especially touched me was Mridul’s commitment to empower others. He is now training around 200 local youths and women from SHGs, guiding them through the traditional Guru–Shishya system. Many began learning on paper and acrylic before advancing to authentic bark and natural dyes Kiomoi+8The Sentinel+8SPM IAS Academy+8.
I saw women and young students working with deep concentration, each brushstroke charged with pride and purpose. Through their art, they are crafting independent livelihoods rooted in their own culture.
An Experience That Lingers
Leaving Garmur Satra, I carried with me more than memories—I carried stories:
- Of heritage reborn, protected by the GI tag.
- Of community uplift, led by one man’s passion.
- Of tradition and modernity coming together in everyday items.
This is not just art—it’s a movement of people reclaiming identity and economic agency.
Why You Should Visit
- Cultural immersion: Understand how Sanchi Pat represents the soul of Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite heritage.
- Craft insight: See the entire process—from bark to pigment to painting.
- Human stories: Meet artisans reclaiming pride through creativity.
- Support living tradition: Buying or engaging with their work supports sustainability and innovation.
In Conclusion
The centre at Garmur Satra, with Mridul Baruah’s guidance, illustrates how a traditional art form can evolve—earning GI recognition, gaining institutional support, and empowering local youth and women. It’s a vivid reminder: culture lives when people keep it alive.
If you’re ever in Majuli, this humble centre by the Brahmaputra is worth more than a visit—it’s an invitation to witness heritage in motion.
