Raas Mahotsav 2026 on Majuli: how to plan your visit
In short
- When: Raas Purnima, the Kartik full moon, falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Satras and village stages on Majuli usually perform over two or three nights around it. Each venue sets its own dates, so confirm before you go.
- What: all-night Raas Leela dance-dramas of Krishna's life, with masks, music and Sattriya dance, at dozens of satras and community stages.
- How: take the ferry from Nimati Ghat near Jorhat. Expect big crowds and busy ferries, and book your stay early.
Raas is the biggest festival of the year on Majuli. Over a few nights in November, the island's satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and villages stage the Raas Leela: Krishna's childhood, his dance with the gopis and the old stories of the Bhagavata, performed through the night with music, drums and the famous hand-made masks.
Where the performances happen
- Satras: Dakhinpat Satra is traditionally linked to the start of Raas on Majuli. Auniati, Kamalabari and Garamur are among the well-known satras that also stage performances.
- Community stages and namghars: villages across the island put on their own Raas, often with local actors who rehearse for weeks.
- Samaguri Satra: the mask-making satra is busy before and during Raas, making the large masks used on stage. See our Majuli guide.
Planning tips
- Go for at least one night. Performances run late and the last ferry back to Jorhat leaves in the afternoon. So either stay on Majuli for a night, or plan a long day and see the daytime preparations.
- Ferries are crowded. Reach Nimati Ghat early, and confirm the day's timings at the IWT counter. See how to reach Majuli.
- Book rooms early. Majuli's guesthouses fill up for Raas. Many visitors stay in Jorhat before and after, and keep one night on the island.
- Respect the space. These are religious performances. Dress modestly, remove footwear where asked, ask before photographing performers up close, and keep phones on silent.
- Carry warm layers. Late November nights by the river are cool.
A simple 3-day plan
- Day 1: arrive in Jorhat. Walk a tea garden in the afternoon. See the tea garden guide.
- Day 2: early ferry to Majuli. See the satras and Samaguri by day, then Raas performances at night. Stay on the island.
- Day 3: morning on Majuli, then back to Jorhat on an early-afternoon ferry. Have an Assamese dinner.
Where to stay: NOI Homes, central Jorhat
NOI Homes is a boutique homestay on J.B. Road in central Jorhat. There are two 2BHK apartments, each for up to six guests. NOI Homes Elite is always let as the whole apartment, with two bedrooms (Khwaab and Gulmohar). NOI Homes Privé can be booked whole, or as private rooms: Rajwada, the master suite, and Sukoon, the cosy room.
Raas week is one of the busiest times of the year in Jorhat. If you're planning to come, message us early. We can help you time the ferries and plan your night on Majuli.
Every stay includes Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, a fully equipped kitchen and 24×7 on-site help. Breakfast and home-cooked Assamese meals are available on request at an extra charge. See the rooms in the catalogue, or check availability.
Planning dates? Message us with your dates and number of guests. We reply on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
When is Raas Mahotsav in Majuli in 2026?
Raas Purnima falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Majuli's satras usually perform over two or three nights around the full moon. Confirm exact dates with each satra or the district administration.
Can I see Raas as a day trip from Jorhat?
Partly. You can see the satras and the daytime preparations, but the main performances run late at night, after the last ferry. To watch them, stay a night on Majuli.
Which satras perform Raas?
Many do, including Dakhinpat, Auniati, Kamalabari and Garamur, along with village stages and namghars across the island.
Do I need tickets for Raas?
Most satra and community performances are open to the public. Some organised programmes may have passes or seating, so check locally.
Timings, fares and seasonal openings in Assam change often. We check our posts regularly, but please confirm locally before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.