Mayong: The dark Arts and Witchcraft of Northeast India.

Who does not love a good tale of mystery with open ending? And the films of Christopher Nolan are not the only answer to it. Despite the growing information flow about the life and living in Assam, there is still a section of society as well as a section of travelers who are either apprehensive or intrigued by the scattered tales of the indescribable and indefinable. These stories are everywhere in the state but two places commend special mention if we talk about the unexplained mystery trail of Assam – Jatinga and Mayong.

A 40-km drive from Guwahati will lead you to the quiet and peaceful village of Mayong in Morigaon district; but the serenity of this place is more a veil of mystery than anything else. Often referred to as India's magic capital, Mayong is (in)famous for the tales of people vanishing into thin air, fierce beasts being tamed as if they were a puppy and not a beast or humans being converted into animals and vice a versa. An outlaw of a place for many years, Mayong, of late, has gained prominence as a tourist destination and adventure seekers from all parts of the globe visit this eerie village. Another sleepy hamlet Jatinga is known for the mass bird suicides that take place from September to November every year.

The thing about Mayong is, the dark arts are not a thing of the past. It is still practised by some of the residents, and this knowledge will get passed down to generations. Local Assamese folklore has mentions of Mayong and its practice of black magic. Even in Mahabharata, one will find things about Mayong’s dark arts. Something to do with Mayong once being the home of Tantra Kriya, perhaps?

For those who find the subject of dark arts fascinating, Mayong is gold. No wonder, even with the history of witchcraft, human sacrifice and all things sorcery, Mayong is a very popular tourist destination.

When in Mayong, you must visit the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium. Here, you will find ancient manuscripts of black magic and Ayurveda. Somehow, after all this, even the fact that Mayong is surrounded by the beautiful forest of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Indian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros, seems so mediocre. But it is true; visit Mayong for an awesome wildlife experience too.