Dwijing is the annual river festival that is held at Aie River, Hagrama Bridge BTAD Chirang Assam in the month of December-January. The name AIE means MOTHER River which flows from the Himalayan Mountains of Bhutan flowing through the district of Bongaigaon and Chirang which falls at Brahmaputra River. Aie River is popular picnic spot among the locals which attracts lot of tourists to celebrate the NEW YEAR for picnic and weekend activities.
This year 2017-18 the festival has got the name as Dwijing to promote rural tourism and to popularize the beauty of the river which witnessed more than lakhs of tourists. The festival kick started this year from 27 December 2017 to 8 January 2018. Dwi means Water and Zing means Near. So the festival name suggests festival near water. This festival showcases the culture of indigenous tribe’s culture, ethnic food, Band performance and several adventurous activities for adventure junkie.
Here I will give you the glimpse of things to do at the festival:
1) Picnic Spot- This place has always been popular picnic spot among the locals. Since the festival begins towards the beginning of New Year, so it is the perfect time to backpack for picnic be it with your family, friends or office colleagues get-together as the Mother River magnifies the beauty of the spot.
2) Experience the ethnic foods- For the food lover’s and who loves experimenting ethnic foods and learning new culture head to this festival. Since the festival offers various stalls with local dishes and drinks. One such item is the mouth smacking smoke or roasted pork which you would love to taste it. The locals have the indigenous drink known as Jow Gisi. This is also known as Rice Beer which is extracted from Rice. These two mentioned items are the few must try local dishes.
3) Adventurous activities- Are you an adventure junkie and looking for adrenaline rush? This festival gives you an opportunity to experience several such activities which test your limits and brings you out of your comfort zone which gives you an experience for life time. Here is the list of such activities as per your interest:
• Helicopter Ride- This is one of the most demanding adventurous activities among the tourists which will gives you the glimpse of lush greenery hillocks of northeast India and neighboring country Bhutan. The ride will cost you 3k which you have to book in advance to experience the thrill of ride.
• Paragliding- Soar High in the air and break free like a bird and let all your stress wipe away up in the air. The ride will give you the glimpse of Mother River which flows from the Himalayan mountain of Bhutan and will bring chill in your bones.
• Hot Air balloon- Yes, Hot Air Balloon!!! You can pinch yourself to make you realize that it’s not a dream. This festival has become the one stop destination for all adventurous spots.
• Boating- Take some ride through the mesmerizing Aie river which will rejuvenate you with its chilling fresh breeze. Spend some wonderful evening with your loved ones and create some memories
• Elephant ride/horse ride- This remained popular ride among the kids and families. Have never experienced animal ride so this festival gives you an opportunity.
4) Live Concerts- This festival has the place for music lovers too. Several local bands and artists showcased their talents to keep you entertained be it Rock or Soft Music. Several popular National Artists are being called to keep the crowed of the audience glued. The function starts in the evening and goes on till late night. One has to match their schedule and plan accordingly.
5) Camping- One has to book for camping in advance. Camping beside the river is just mesmerizing with the colorful lights all around the fest and can enjoy the night activities at the festival.
From my experience at the festival, I loved walking through the Aie River over the bridge. The provisions they made for the tourist to get the glimpse of river so close was simply refreshing. I could see the people getting down in the water and loitering around with the music in the earphones as the river is crystal clear with fewer waves in winter just above your few inches feet.
Another thing which attracted me the most was the floating restaurants over the river in the evening. It was so captivating and mesmerizing with lights all around and the clear open sky with chilling breeze creates the perfect evening ambiance to chill and relax with your loved ones or friends.
How to reach:
Location- The location of the fest is just 5km away from the National Highway 31(C) at Chapaguri Point near IOCL Bongaigaon refinery village popularly known as Rowmari or Dangaigaon.
By Train: Bongaigaon-It has 2 railway stations.
1) New Bongaigaon Railway Station. It is the 2nd largest railways junction in Assam and almost all the trains stops here.
2) Bongaigaon Old Railway Station. This is the 2nd Railway Station in Bongaigaon.
By Air: Guwahati Airport. After reaching the airport one has to head to Bongaigaon town by train.
Where to stay:
To name a few good Hotels as per my knowledge and experience:
1) Hotel Cygnett Park- It is at the perfect location for the fest as the location of the hotel is at Chapaguri point National Highway nearest to the fest.
2) Hotel Jahnabee- If you want to be in the middle of the town. Then this hotel is the one for you.
3) Hotel Kanishka:- This hotel just 5mins away from the Bongigaon railway station
Apart from these hotels there are many other options which one can research and select to make your stay comfortable at Bongaigaon.
The festival has lot to offer different needs of the tourist with different interest. It was one stop destination River Festival. If one wants to explore the festival to the most then just one day is not enough to experience it all.
Below is the link for the fest webpage:
https://dwijingfest.org/
Come explore and get mesmerized by the vibrant River Festival of Northeast India.
Happy Dwijing! Happy Exploring! Happy Northeast India!
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