Mayong village in Assam needs no introduction. Ask any person in Assam about Mayong village, and he/she will tell you about numerous stories of black magic, sorcery and mysticism. These stories about the Mayong village of Assam have been part of the collective folklore of Assam for centuries. In this blog, we will discuss everything about Mayong village: its history, black magic in Mayong, and tourist and historical places near Mayong.
Mayong Village of Assam
Mayong is a historical village in the Morigaon district of Assam. Mayong is 47 km from Guwahati and is easily accessible via SH 3. If you are in Guwahati, you can easily plan a day trip to Mayong village. Mayong is situated in picturesque surroundings. With the river Brahmaputra in the north and the river Kolong in the south, Mayong is surrounded by several numbers of small hills and hillocks towards the north, east and southwest of the village. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the south.
Why Mayong Village is Famous?
Mayong is famous for its history of black magic (kala jadu in Hindi). Mayong village is regarded as the “Black Magic Capital” of India. Ask any native of Mayong village, they would tell you about how their ancestors turned a man into a sheep, how a company of Mughal army that invaded Mayong disappeared into thin air, how their ancestors used to capture spirits and tame these spirits to work as their apprentice. You will hear numerous such stories of magic, witchcraft and sorcery. But, are those stories real?
History of Black Magic in Mayong
The history of black magic in Mayong dates back to the medieval period of Assam (7th century to 13th century CE). Mayong used to important center of tantricism. Tantricism is defined as a combination of texts, techniques, rituals, monastic practices, meditation, yoga, and ideology. It is common in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Monks, ascetics and followers of Tantricism made Mayong their home during the medieval period. It is said that these ascetics spent years in meditation and deciphered the way to bend the natural forces. In this way, they were able to perform various miracles. The methods used by the occultists were passed on to the next generation orally or using written records. The tradition continued till the advent of the modern age.
Read this blog to learn more about the history and stories of black magic in Mayong
Mayong, The Haunted Village
Stories of such occult practices of Mayong spread like wildfire. Even though the stories were not credible, no one was there to demystify these stories. Its stories reached every nook and corner of Assam and Northeast India during the medieval period. Thus, it became a veritable haunted village. People began to fear just listening to the name Mayong and forgot about visiting the village.
Who were the black magic practitioners of Mayong?
The indigenous healers in the region are referred to as Bez and Kabiraz. Even in contemporary times, these traditional practitioners continue to play a vital role in the community. It is said that many people in the past went to Mayong to learn these practices.
What were the types of Black Magic performed in Mayong?
Though there are no videographic or textual records, black magic was indeed a norm in Mayong village. The magic performed by the people of Mayong can be divided into two types – white magic and black magic. White magic included mainly healing practices such as saving someone from snake bites, relieving chronic ailment and pain, treating someone who is suffering from a mental disorder etc. These practices were somewhat genuine. There are various instances of inviting Bez and Kabiraz to heal people.
The black magic of Mayong included harming enemies by various means, causing a quarrel between loved ones, fortune telling, vanishing objects in thin air, killing someone by using magic spells etc.
Does the Magic of Mayong Work?
The scientific answer is no. But, there are various instances and historical records that prove otherwise. The folklore of Assam is filled with many such stories. Though there is no scientific or videographic evidence, many people in Assam witnessed the magic of Mayong. People still call Mayongiya Bez (magic practitioners of Mayong) to cure various diseases, especially snake bites and mental disorders. There are many tricks under the sleeves of a bez that one can witness if you happen to meet one. However, most of them are tricks/illusions, not any black magic.
Is It Safe To Visit Mayong?
Black magic in Mayong is a thing of the past. The villagers of Mayong have moved away from it. No one practices black magic in Mayong at present. However, the villagers and royal families of Mayong still follow their tradition and rituals as a part of their cultural heritage. You can easily visit Mayong village and be your guest. Besides, Mayong has witnessed exponential growth in tourism because of its natural beauty and for its glorious history.
Read this blog to learn more about the history and kings of Mayong Kingdom
Travel Guide To Mayong Village and Nearby Places
Mayong attracts a lot of curious travellers because of its history and natural places like beautiful hills, Brahmaputra riverside, and other historical and archaeological sites related to Assam’s history. People often visit Mayong village from Guwahati as it is nearby and Mayong village has various picnic and camping spots near the river Brahmaputra.
How to Reach Mayong Village
There are two different routes from Guwahati to Mayong, one via SH 3 and the other via NH 27. The first route is shorter in terms of distance (48.9 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes. The second route is longer (54.6 km) and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Accommodation Near Mayong Village
There is no dearth of good villas and resorts near Mayong. As Mayong is surrounded by beautiful hills, staying in these villas is peaceful and full of greenery. If you are searching for low-budget options, eco-camps are provided by various businesses near Mayong. However, camping in Mayong is seasonal, starting from November to February, mainly during the winter season.
Tourist Places Near Mayong
Chanaka
Chanaka is a beautiful place near the Brahmaputra riverside. If you need the vibes of Goa near Guwahati, it is a must-visit place. You can visit during that time, have lunch in the shining sands of the river Brahmaputra and return to Guwahati again the same day. If you are planning to stay, there are cottage and tent facilities. The best part is the camping. You can party all night and sleep in the tents placed on the sand bars of Brahmaputra. The best time to visit is from November to March. We would advise not to visit during the Monsoon months (June-August) as the area is prone to flooding.
The area is protected and maintained by the Chanka Village Development Authority. You will have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 100 per vehicle during the visit. Once you reach the reach, you can explore on your own or book any eco-resort for your stay and food. The two most famous eco-camps in Chanaka are Chanaka Eco Camp and Hill Mynah Eco Camp.
Mayong Museum
The museum is situated near Mayong village. It stores various artefacts, mantras (scriptures of black magic), pictures, and archaeological remains of the history of Mayong village. It displays the life of Mayong before the advent of the modern age. It can see various images related to the performance of black magic.
Dolphin Viewing Spot
As the river Brahmaputra flows by the north of Mayong village, it gives special significance to it. The Brahmaputra is the habitat of riverine dolphin, locally known as Xihu. A tiny spot near 1 km away from the village is known for the appearance of a riverine Dolphin. It is the confluence of River Kopili and river Brahmaputra. The sight is a rare phenomenon. It all depends on your luck and the time of your visit. The months of September and October are the best seasons to witness Dolphin/ Xihu in the river Brahmaputra. Even if you miss the sighting, the place is one of the best and most peaceful places in Mayong. It gives the best view of the Brahmaputra.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled a mere 7 km from Mayong Village, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary stands as one of the most sought-after destinations in Assam. Renowned for hosting the highest density of one-horned rhinoceros, it is often hailed as the mini Kaziranga of the region. The sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of majestic creatures like tigers, buffaloes, deer, and various avian species. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural splendour through exhilarating jeep and elephant safaris, providing an up-close encounter with the rich biodiversity. For those seeking a comfortable stay, the outskirts of Pobitora boast good resorts, offering a pleasant retreat amidst nature. The best time to experience the sanctuary’s vibrant wildlife is September to April.
