Mask Making Centre & Temple

I still remember the first time I visited Majuli—it was in 2019, and I fell in love at first glance. The 45-minute drive from the ghat to our hotel offered a gentle introduction to this hidden river island gem. Lush rice fields stretched endlessly, punctuated by small village settlements. Nowhere had I seen “slow living” come to life more vividly than in this quiet, unassuming way of being. One of the island’s cultural treasures is Sri Sri Samaguri Satra, one of a dozen old Vaishnavite monasteries in Majuli, and the only one with a unique tradition of handmade mask-making. These masks mostly depict non-human characters from the mythological stories surrounding the vibrant life of Sri Krishna. Majuli truly comes alive during the Raas Festival, held on the full moon night in November. Every Satra (monastery) on the island, along with the local community, enters a festive mood for a long night of Raas Leela performances. Children and adults alike take part in these performances in their respective Satras. At Samaguri Satra, however, the tradition is a little different. Instead of classical dance, they perform long plays that narrate stories from the life of Sri Krishna—using their iconic handmade masks. The play goes on all night, and it’s a spectacle no theatre enthusiast or culture lover should miss. The man behind these remarkable masks is Sri Hem Chandra Goswami, a senior monk at Samaguri and the pioneer of this mask-making technique. He’s on a mission to share his labour of love with the world. The masks are crafted using a cane frame, layered with a mixture of cow dung and a small amount of clay. Each mask goes through four stages before it is painted and ready for use. If you get the chance, go to Majuli. Visit Samaguri and all the ancient Satras. This is a place like no other. Don’t rush, and don’t plan too much—just be present. If you find yourself on this little slice of heaven, know that you are truly lucky and privileged.

Mask making is one of the most famous traditional crafts still practiced in Majuli. Masks are an integral part of Sattriya culture. This mask are traditionally used for religious dance and dramas (Bhaona, to be specific). This mask are helping to provide a physical form to the puranic characters known to us. Masks here are made for religious as well as commercial purposes. You can buy mask from the place at a very reasonable price taking into consideration the labour of the mask makers. Main material used during mask making are bamboo, cane, cloth, clay and rock colour. Wood and cement is also used sometimes. It is highly recommended place for a visit.

Popular mask making Sattra in Majuli. Visit here to get detailed tour of this intricate art form. Run by Mr. Hemchandra Goswami and his family, this place is visited by many Indian as well as foreign students for learning this art form

Very beautiful art and ppl can buy masks to take home

I had the absolute best 20 days learning at this mask-making center. The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, and the way they teach is so simple, clear, and effective. I genuinely learned a lot not just about mask-making, but also about the culture. The environment was so positive and inspiring, and everyone I met was kind and supportive. I’m really glad I chose this center to learn from. It has been a truly special experience, and I’ll always carry it with me. Thank you for everything

If you end up coming to Majuli for any reason (as a tourist) then do drive to it and at least buy a small mask to support the art and the artist.

Wonderful collection of masks of all sizes and shapes

Only a small satra, but features the incredible artform of ancient mask making, which has been passed down through the generations of the family that work there today.