What Is Mayong Village Famous For: Know The Ultimate Story Of The Land Of Black Magic
You know, the other day, I was writing about dark tourism, and it has become an integral part of the travel and tourism landscape globally. Now, while covering the dark tourism places in India, I got to know about Mayong Village.
I did not mention Mayong Village in that dark tourism piece as I didn’t want to write anything vague about a place that is famous for its tradition of the occult. I needed my time to do the thorough research.
And you know it was right of me not to write anything about Mayong without knowing the complete picture. Why?
As I write this article, I see that the government of Assam has taken action against influencer Abhishek Kar for how he said that women of Mayong can transform men into goats.
You can still find the video on YouTube. However, this kind of statement can spread misinformation or unnecessary fear.
Having said that, the village of Mayong has a lot of stories to tell, and there is a reason why people call it the Black Magic Capital of India.
Also, Mayong grabbed all the attention by hosting the “Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival” on 18th August 2024.
So, what is the mystery of the Mayong Village? Where is the village Mayong located? This Dream and Travel guide will take you through the most mysterious journey.
Where Is Mayong Village Located?
The Department of Tourism, Government of Assam, has highlighted Mayong Village for its unique rural charm.
Home to 120 witch doctors and wizards (locally known as Bej or Oja), the Hogwarts of India is around 35 km east of Guwahati, and it is located in the Morigaon district of Assam.
Mayong is also close to the Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Further, if you see where is Mayong Village in Assam on the map, you will find Sualkuchi to the west. Sualkuchi, for its rich history of silk weaving, is also called the Manchester of the East.
Moreover, Mayong Village is close to Gandhamou, an important rural tourism spot, and Sasoni Merbeel, an important eco-tourism hub.
How To Reach Mayong Village From Guwahati, Assam?
There are no direct flights to Mayang. The nearest airport to this village is the Guwahati Airport, and the nearest rail station is the Guwahati Railway Station.
From the airport or the railway station, you can take a cab or bus to reach Morigaon after a journey of around 70 km. You can contact cab services like xcell.co.in (97070-97070) and kamakshitours.com (+91 9864047996, +91-9864076749).
Further, you can take an auto-rickshaw from Morigaon to Mayong Village.
The closest bus stop to Mayong Village is the Mayong BDO Office (around 500 meters). The other nearby bus stops are the Kumoi Bus Stop (1.8 km), Bhakatgaon Chairali Bus Stop (2 km), and Circle Office Bus Stop (600 meters).
Mayong Village History: Stories And Mysteries Do Not End
The traditions and mystical practices of Mayong Village go back to the Stone Age, as confirmed by archeological experts. However, the Bongsawali Goid manuscript says that King Sunyat Singha from Maibong founded Mayong in 1624 AD.
Further, there are many other versions of Mayong’s history and myths around it.
- Many say that the land of whispered secrets and its association with sorcery and witchcraft go back hundreds of years. It was a part of the Ahom Kingdom that ruled Assam.
- Also, the name Mayong comes from the Sanskrit word, Maya, which means illusion or trick.
- However, many claim that Mayong is named after Miyong, a Dimasa word that means elephant.
- Furthermore, many say that the word Mayong came from Mahamaya, as Devi Sati’s body part fell during the Shiva Tandava.
- In addition, Mairang means rice in Kachari language and Mayong on the banks of the river Brahmaputra is rich in paddy production.
- The British wanted to suppress the local customs of Mayong during the 19th-century colonial rule. However, the villagers preserved their cultural heritage.
- Moreover, Mayang is mentioned in the Mahabharata. It is said that Ghatotkacha, the son of Bheema, gained his power from the people of Mayong.
- There is also a story of the disappearance of around 100000 soldiers from Muhammad Shah’s army in 1337 in Mayong.
Did You Know?
Historian Mirza Mohammad Qasim mentioned Mayong Village in his Alamgiri Nama. He wrote that during the battle between the Ahom kingdom and the Mughals, Ram Singh, the Mughal leader, was scared of the black magic of Mayong Village.
Mayong Black Magic History
The Mayong black magic history goes back to time immemorial. For generations, the Oja or Bej community has been practicing the Su Mantra, or Good Tantr, and Ku Mantra, or Bad Tantra.
An Oja or Bej today mainly use their magic to cure diseases like measles and pneumonia. Having said that, black magic in Mayong has evolved a lot.
You can visit the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium of Black Magic and Witchcraft, where you will find many artifacts, relics of magical practices, jewelry made from bones, manuscripts, and weapons.
Other places to visit to learn about the history of black magic in Mayong are the Ganesha Temple of Hatigarh, Shiva Than at Kachasila, and Vishnu Temple of Kajolichauki.
Moreover, according to Assamese folklore and popular beliefs, the history of black magic in Mayong has roots in Tantric practices and the worship of Goddess Shakti. The worship of Goddess Shakti further included human sacrifices or Narbali.
Even today, when you talk to the elderly of the village, they will tell you some fascinating stories about the history of black magic in Mayong.
Powered by Sadhana and Tantra, many wizards of Mayong used to exploit ghosts and evil spirits to kill animals and people. They even used to shoot invisible arrows to harm someone physically.
Furthermore, the sorcerers used to chant mantras and collect hair, clothes, and nails to cast a spell on people. In addition, they used puppets dressed in the clothes and shoes of the victim to cause immense trouble.
The spell of the Mayong wizards was so powerful that only a special ritual at the Kamakhya Temple could remove it.
What Is Mayong Village Famous For?
Mayong is famous for its history of black magic. However, this village, blessed by natural beauty, also has many unique places to visit.
1. Mayong Central Museum And Emporium Of Black Magic And Witchcraft
Opened in 2002, the Mayong Central Museum And Emporium Of Black Magic And Witchcraft is the best place to learn about the history and origin of Mayong Village.
You will lose count of time while exploring the masks, remnants, tools, and books related to black magic. Further, there are many books on Ayurveda here.
Moreover, the ancient carvings and engravings on rocks, 10th-century Ganesha and Shiva idols, and other figurines here will grab your attention.
2. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was designated in 1987, and today, it has one of the largest populations of one-horned Rhinoceros in the world.
Moreover, it is home to rare and migratory birds, wild boars and buffaloes.
3. Kachasila Hill
Kachasila Hill with a 9th century temple on the top is one of the unique places to visit in Mayong Village. The temple has Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as presiding deities.
You will also find many Ganesha idols in the temple. Moreover, the stones and statues here attract a lot of researchers.
4. Sitajakhala
Sitajakhala, on the banks of the Killing River, is an ancient shrine. Discovered in 1949-50, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama left his pregnant wife, Sita.
Further, Maharishi Valmiki built the steps here so that Maa Sita could reach the river quickly. Thus, the stone steps and the place were named Sitajakhala.
Today, you will find beautiful idols of Maa Sita and Lord Hanuman to worship here.
5. Deosal Siva Temple
Close to Jagiroad and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, the Deosal Siva Temple is known for its annual Shivratri festival.
Moreover, according to popular belief, the village of Deosal had the ashram of Saint Valmiki.
6. Jagiroad
Jagiroad is one of the most populous places in Morigaon District. Along with a big dry fish market, it also has Hornbill Park and Nizora Park.
7. Tegheria Waterfalls
Tegheria Waterfalls is just one hour away from Mayong Village. The cascading water against a lush green backdrop makes it an ideal picnic spot.
8. Morigaon Dry Fish Market
The Morigaon Dry Fish Market on Jagiroad is the largest dry fish market in Asia. Dry fish from here are exported to Singapore, Malaysia, and many other South Asian countries.
Is Black Magic Still Practiced In Mayong?
Today, the number of people practicing black magic in Mayong is much less. However, people still call an Oja or Bej to cure diseases.
So, you may see an Oja or Bej treating a patient or taking away the pain by pressing a copper plate against the injury. You may also witness unusual movements of objects thanks to the presence of spirits or ghosts.
| Some Black Magic Practices In Mayong Village Today: Tez Rakhowa Mantra – Stops the oozing of blood Narengar Mantra – Cures abscess Ushah Shular Mantra – Relieves pain while breathing |
Moreover, many tourists eager to learn black magic or spooky crafts visit this village. Also, people visiting Mayong also love to explore the nearby village of Burha Mayong. Burha Mayong is considered the magical pair of Mayong.
Mayong Village Today: An Important Tourism Hub In Assam
Today, Mayong village is an important rural tourism hub of Assam, and it has a ritualistic king, Tarani Kantha Singha. Further, it has been successful in shading off much of its spooky vibe.
Also, Mayong village is rich in the cultural assimilation of tribes like Rabha, Tai, Kachari, Tiwa, Bodo, Karbi, etc.
Gohain Uliowa Utsav (started in 1668 AD by Sarasa Chandra Singha, the 10th king of Mayong), or the festival of invoking gods, is now the biggest celebration of the village along with Bhekuli Biya, Bihu, Nauka Khanda Utsav, etc.
So, today, people visit Mayong to learn about its cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty.
As a result, it has now become a center for community development and cultural preservation. There are a lot of government initiatives in the development of healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
Moreover, there are sincere efforts to preserve handicrafts, music, folk dances, and local culture.
In addition, today, there are accommodation options like the Mayong Villa, Morigaon, and Mystique Mayong Eco Resort, making your trip to Mayong hassle-free.
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