Mayong: The magical land of Assam

Assam, the north-eastern state of India is well-known for its unscathed beauty, ancient historical sites and much more. However, the unresolved mystery of Mayong still creates a quagmire in the minds of people. Mayong, a small hamlet situated about 40 km from Guwahati is said to be the land of black magic where occult practices are still prevalent. A sleepy town located in Morigaon District is infamously famous across the globe for being the hub of witchcraft in India. It is still not clear whether it is a myth or reality but according to the folklore as well as first person account, a number of incidents have taken place that makes people believe that it is not a myth and such practices are still prevalent here.


 

The very name of the place Mayong is derived from the word maya, which means illusion; however, according to some, it has derived its name from the Maibong tribe that inhabited the region. According to another legend, sacred parts of Goddess Shakti fell at this place and owing to this, the locales named this place Maa-r-Ongo (parts of the Goddess), which later became Mayong. This ancient town also finds a mention in the great Indian Epic Mahabharata, according to which Ghatotkach, the son of Bheem ruled over this region and was also a proficient magician. It is renowned as a land where “sorcerers and magicians” have held control for centuries. However, the sway of the magician ended several years ago, but the bequest is still alive, crying aloud for larger consideration, deliberately at ease with its mystery or obscurity. 

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The town has many tales associated with it, which are mostly like fairy tale but true. Manyong is still one of the most feared as well as infamous place owing to the practice of black magic. There are tales such as one man visited this place for a feast where he asked for a chili and to his surprise, he finds that dozens of chilies came up to his table. One of the popular saying still goes with this place is that fish bought from this very place will weigh less after it reaches home, no matter how many times it has been weighed. Even today, people of Assam believes that they will never return back if they visit Mayong as there are popular saying that the magicians can turn humans into goat buffalo, etc. Until 30 years ago, sorcery was widely practiced here and every fifth household possessed a bej or magician. Udan, haranluki, mohini, paas and kal diksha were the mantras used during ancient times, which are now extinct. Although, they do not practice it openly today, occult practice or black magic is still prevalent in the region.

There is no documented evidence of spell casting or magic that is being performed in the region but according to folklore, a King from Nepal brought magic to the valley centuries ago and it became a way of life for the people of this region for solving everyday issues of life. Today, only the bystanders of these craft are alive, who narrates the stories related to their ancestors; however, people of Assam still believe that black magic is still prevalent in the region and still fears to go there. This town has also turned into one of the most coveted tourist destinations of Assam.

Image Courtesy: The Global Discussion