Mayong—India’s Own Hogwarts. And it’s Not Even Fictional!

Put down those Harry Potter books and fantasy fictions. The Mayong village in Assam is India’s very own land of magic and witchcraft!

Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra in the beautiful Morigaon district, this untouched village has been the centre of black magic and sorcery in India for centuries.

Here witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy were not just practised but passed down over generations.

Local folklore and ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata validate Mayong’s connection with black magic, and archaeological findings of weapons and sharp objects suggest human sacrifices as well. Does that give you goosebumps?

Discover India’s Black Magic Capital

Owing to its mysterious history, Mayong is now a popular tourist destination for curious travellers, history buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and those fascinated by black magic.

Feel part of a fantasy movie as you explore this mystical town, still considered to be the abode of witches and magicians.

Stories and accounts of people vanishing, locals being converted into animals, beasts being miraculously tamed, and fatal diseases being cured have been long associated with Mayong.

There’s no way to attest the authenticity of these stories, but the whole experience of opening yourself up to this world is certainly something worth writing home about.

What to Do

Interact with the locals for incredible magic tricks and strange stories, and witness the magical treatment of diseases by local healers and witch doctors.

Mayong is still home to magicians who have the knowledge of not just black magic but also Ayurveda, palmistry, and future prediction through chants and spells.

This ancient land is rich in wildlife as well.

Visit the Probitora Wildlife Sanctuary nearby, home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world.

Explore archaeological remains, ancient artefacts, and books associated with black magic, witchcraft and Ayurveda at the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium.

When to Go

The best time to visit Mayong is the winter season when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Getting There

Nearest Railway Station: Jagi Road Railway Station Nearest Airport: Guwahati International Airport Mayong is easily accessible by road from Guwahati (40 km from it), which has frequent flights and trains to all major cities of India.

.....

How Did Assam's Mayong Village Come To Be India’s Black Magic Capital?

India is a land of many mysteries, and some of them are slightly too haunted to be spoken of regularly. Indians’ trademark characteristic of believing deeply in something, whether or not it may be religious, leads to some rather peculiar happenings.

A great example is the village of Mayong in Assam, which is also known as India’s black magic capital. There has been a history here of old folk narrating tales of haunted events –– people disappearing, men taking up other life forms, and more. Perhaps, this is why practices of black magic and ‘supernatural’ activities began. To worship Goddess Shakti, human sacrifices were done.

These were called Narbali. Mayong also finds itself featured in the Mahabharata which states that Chief Ghatotkacha received powers from this village.

One of the most peculiar disappearances that are spoken of even today is that of the army of Muhammad Shah in the 1330s. Made of 1,00,000 soldiers, this entire group vanished in the forests with not a single body being found.

(Image Courtesy: Wander Wisdom)

In Alamgir Nama, a chronicle of Aurangzeb’s rule, court historian Mirza Muhammad Kazim states that when the Ahom kingdom was to be defeated in Assam, the leader Ram Singh was more scared of the black magic of Mayong than the Ahom army.

Palm readers and fortune tellers are the least of what Mayong has to offer - doctors here known as bez or ojaa, ‘treat’ patients without using medicine. They are apparently assisted by ghosts, and they use copper plates pressed against injuries and wounds to take away the pain. Unnatural movements of inanimate objects are considered signs of a larger message, whether that be communication from a being or confirmation of a thought.

(Image Courtesy: Assam Times)

While the people who practice black magic may be fading from the village, the belief in it remains strong. Tourism to Mayong has also increased as an increasing number of people take interest in spooky crafts. Mayong is also home to a museum, the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium, that displays weapons, tools, scripts, and more.

If the supernatural and eerie tales are up your alley, then Mayong should definitely be on your must-visit list. Apart from the spook, Mayong also offers the Northeast’s wonder and beauty, food, and kindhearted people.

Ref: Mayong—India’s Own Hogwarts. And it’s Not Even Fictional! (makemytrip, homegrown)