the-enigmatic-allure-of-india-s-black-magic-capital-mayong

India, with its rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs, holds within its bounds places steeped in mystery and lore. Among these, the village of Mayong in Assam’s Morigaon district stands out as a site shrouded in the arcane and supernatural.

Known as India’s black magic capital, Mayong’s enigmatic reputation is rooted in a blend of ancient traditions and eerie tales that continue to captivate and mystify.

 

Mahabharata links 

The reputation of Mayong as a center of black magic has deep historical roots. Ancient narratives from the Mahabharata reference Mayong, noting that the legendary warrior Ghatotkacha derived his powers from this very region.

 

However, it is the region's dark folklore that has captured the imagination of many. Stories of disappearances and transformations abound, with one of the most chilling tales recounting the vanishing of an entire army led by Muhammad Shah in the 1330s.

 

This force of 100,000 soldiers reportedly disappeared without a trace in the dense forests surrounding Mayong.

 

The realm of black magic

 

Historically, Mayong was notorious for its practice of black magic. The village was known for its involvement in ritualistic practices such as Narbali, a form of human sacrifice intended to appease Goddess Shakti.

 

These rituals, steeped in mysticism, were believed to be the source of the village’s reputed supernatural powers.

 

Even today, Mayong is associated with various mystical practices, including magical healing and folk medicine, performed by local practitioners known as bez or ojaa.

 

These individuals are said to use unconventional methods, such as copper plates to alleviate pain and perform feats that defy conventional understanding.

 

Mayong's unique cultural landscape is a tapestry woven from various traditions. The village’s history includes influences from Nath-Yogis, Tantrism, Vaishnavism, and tribal communities such as the Tiwas and Karbi.

 

In recent times, Nepalis and Bengali-Muslims have also contributed to the region's cultural milieu. 

 

Despite a decline in the active practice of black magic, the village’s reputation persists, and many locals assert that these practices are now "part of the past.

 

 

 

Preserving the legacy

 

In an effort to preserve and celebrate its mystical heritage, Mayong has established a museum dedicated to its storied past. The Mayong Central Museum and Emporium houses a collection of artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, weapons, and magical tools.

 

This museum, initially a modest project in a rented space, has expanded with support from the Assam chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage).

 

The collection includes rare manuscripts, known as mantra puthis, written on traditional materials like xasi pat parchment in scripts no longer in use.

 

 

Tourism perspective

 

Despite the decline in traditional practices, belief in the supernatural remains strong in Mayong. The village has seen an increase in tourism as visitors are drawn to its mystical allure and historical significance.

 

The local administration, represented by Morigaon District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, maintains that while there is no intention to promote superstition, efforts are underway to leverage Mayong’s unique heritage to boost tourism and create new opportunities for economic development.

 

For those intrigued by the supernatural and the historical depths of Indian mysticism, Mayong offers a compelling destination.

 

The village combines its eerie legends with the natural beauty of Northeast India, alongside a rich cultural heritage and the warmth of its people.