Mayoung is a small village in the Morigaon district of Assam, India. It lies on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, about 40 km from Guwahati. With its coordinates at 26°15’31.87” N and 92°02’26.85” E, Mayoung has become a popular tourist and cultural destination, known for its rich history, black‑magic legends, and close connection to Assam’s ancient past.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Mayoung is often called the “cradle of black magic in India”, drawing curious visitors, historians, and travelers interested in the supernatural.
Meaning and origin of the name “Mayoung”
The name “Mayoung” has several possible origins, each adding to the village’s mystical aura:
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It may come from the Sanskrit word “Maya”, meaning “illusion”.
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It could be linked to Chutia, Tiwa, or Deori words like “Ma‑young”, meaning “Mother”.
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Some connect it to the Kachari word for “elephant”.
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Others suggest “Maa” (Mother Shakti) and “Ongo” meaning “part”.
Locals also believe that Manipuris from the Moirang clan once lived in this area, and over time “Moirang” transformed into “Mayhong” and later “Mayoung”.
Mayoung in mythology and legend
Mayoung, along with Pragjyotishpur (the ancient name of Assam), features in mythological epics like the Mahabharata. It is said that Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima, belonged to the Kachari kingdom and used his magical powers in the great battle.
Legends claim that:
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Saints of black magic and witches still take shelter in the Mayoung forest.
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Men vanish into thin air, people are turned into animals, and beasts are magically tamed by Mayoung’s sorcerers.
In 2019, Zee News aired a program titled “Mayoung – Land of Black Magic and Witchcraft”, where reporter Sohail showcased real magic rituals performed by villagers, further fueling global interest in the village.
Dark history: Narabali and human sacrifice
In earlier times, Narabali (human sacrifice) was linked to the worship of Mother Shakti in this region. Archaeologists have unearthed swords and sharp weapons similar to those used in Narabali practices elsewhere in India, suggesting that human sacrifice may have occurred during the Ahom era.
According to popular tales, in 1337, when Mohd. Shah tried to invade Assam with 100,000 horsemen, the people of Mayoung used black magic to make the entire army disappear from the land.
Tourism and attractions
Mayoung has become a multi‑faced tourist destination, offering:
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Archaeological pilgrimage
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Eco‑tourism
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Adventure tourism
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Cultural and river tourism
The nearby Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the world’s highest density of one‑horned rhinoceroses, making it a major wildlife attraction close to Mayoung.
Mayoung Central Museum and Emporium
The Mayoung Central Museum and Emporium, opened in 2002, is a hidden treasure trove. Housed in an old, dilapidated building, it’s hard to find without a local guide.
Inside, visitors step back in time:
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A tiger sculpture greets you at the entrance.
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The dark, damp interior displays ancient artifacts, terracotta dolls, weapons, stone inscriptions, and an old palanquin from the mystical land of Mayoung.
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Manuscripts written in Assamese, Brajavali, and Kaitheli scripts line the shelves—only a few villagers can still read them.
These collections reflect the village’s deep spiritual, artistic, and magical heritage.
Black magic doctors (Ojaa) and healing rituals
Many traditional doctors and healers, called “Ojaa”, live in Mayoung. Locals believe these healers do not use modern medicines but instead rely on black magic and spiritual forces to cure illnesses.
Some of their practices include:
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Copper‑plate healing – The Ojaa chants mantras, places a copper plate on the injury, and supposedly “eats away” the pain. If the pain is intense, the plate overheats and shatters on the ground.
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Treating chronic diseases – Many villagers claim that long‑term or incurable illnesses have been cured by these black‑magic rituals.
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Locating lost property – When someone loses an item, the magician places a flower in a metal bowl, chants mantras, and the bowl moves on its own to the place where the object is hidden.
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Fortune‑telling with broken glass – Sorcerers use broken pieces of glass to predict the future or reveal hidden truths.
Strange rituals sometimes involve sacrifices, and some believe that Mayoung’s ancient witches and magicians still live in the forests, guarding their secrets.
Rituals, fears, and beliefs
Black‑magic rituals in Mayoung often include:
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Balancing a copper plate on the back of a person while chanting mantras.
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Establishing contact with ghosts or spirits believed to assist the Ojaa in healing or harming.
Despite modernization, many villagers still fear the power of the witches and black‑magic masters, and some still seek them for protection, healing, and supernatural solutions to life’s problems.
Conclusion: A land of mystery and tradition
Mayoung, Assam, is more than a remote village—it is a living legend. Its mix of archaeological relics, riverside beauty, spiritual traditions, and black‑magic practices makes it a fascinating place for those interested in culture, history, and the supernatural.
From epic references in the Mahabharata to modern‑day TV shows and museums, Mayoung continues to hold the imagination of travelers and scholars alike.
