Mayong, Assam

Mayong
Mayang
Nickname: 
Tinkal
Mayong is located in Assam
Mayong
Mayong
Location in Assam, India
Mayong is located in India
Mayong
Mayong
Mayong (India)
Coordinates: 26°15′31.87″N 92°02′26.85″E / 26.2588528°N 92.0407917°E / 26.2588528; 92.0407917
Country India
StateAssam
DistrictMorigaon
Languages
 • OfficialAssamese
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code913678
ISO 3166 codeIN-AS
Vehicle registrationAS

Mayong (or Mayang) is a village in Morigaon district, Assam, India. It lies on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from the city of Guwahati. Mayong is a tourist attraction because of its history.

Etymology

The origin of the name may be based in the Chutia/Tiwa/Deori word Ma-yong which means mother, the Kachari word for an elephant (Miyong), and ongo meaning part.[citation needed] Some believe that Manipuris from the Moirang clan used to inhabit this area therefore; the name Moirang became Mayhong with time.

History

Mayong along with Pragjyotishpura (the ancient name of Assam) finds place in many epics, including the Mahabharata. Chief Ghatotkacha of Kachari Kingdom took part in The Great Battle of Mahabharata with his magical powers. It was also said about Mayong that Tantrik (one who practices Tantra) and witches took shelter in the forests of Mayong.[citation needed] Many tales of men disappearing into air, people being converted into animals, or beasts being magically tamed have been associated with Mayong.[citation needed] Sorcery and magic were traditionally practiced and passed down over generations.

Narabali or human sacrifices were carried until the early modern period. Excavators had recently dug up swords and other sharp weapons that resembled tools used for human sacrifice in other parts of India, suggesting that human sacrifice may have occurred in the Ahom era in Mayong.

Tourism

Mayong is a tourist and archaeological location because of its rich wildlife, archaeology pilgrimage, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and river tourism. Mayong is also famous for its connection and past relationships with Black magic. But that was one part of the story it has been popularly known as, however, now people are trying to develop Mayong into a tourism circuit to shed its past tantra image. Combine with Pobitora Wildlife Sancturary, Mayong offers local life, traditional knowledge, authentic food and a serious hospitality.

Mayong Central Museum and Emporium

There are numerous archaeological relics and artefacts, including books on Tantra Kriya and Ayurveda at the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium, which was opened in 2002. Very close to Mayong is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary has the highest density of one horned rhinoceros in the world.

Mayong tourism and hospitality

An aspect of Mayong that has gone unnoticed is the tourism and hospitality it offers, culturally amalgamated with a rich flora and fauna. At the heart is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, where the rhino-rich landscape is a major attraction. Along with Mayong's rich cultural heritage of folklore, traditions, indigenous knowledge and history, it has become a key destination for travellers. A visible change is seen in the growth of resorts, homestays and other hospitality assets to strengthen the tourism ecosystem and provide an alternative for travellers coming to Assam, who can visit the Kamakhya in the morning and then stay the night in Mayong and go for an early morning safari the next day.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rahman, Daulat (14 May 2009). "New light on land of black magic - Huge swords unearthed at Mayong in Assam point to human sacrifice". Archived from the original on 17 May 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
  2. ↑ "Mayong: A place in Assam where magic 'cures' diseases and helps catch thieves". 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "New light on land of black magic - Huge swords unearthed at Mayong in Assam point to human sacrifice". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  4. ↑ "Mayong: A place in Assam where magic 'cures' diseases and helps catch thieves". NewsGram. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  5. ↑ Network, Hub (27 September 2026). "Beyond magic, Mayong and Pobitora look to a wider tourism canvas". Hub News. Retrieved 5 October 2026.
  6. ↑ "Good Morning". The Telegraph. 1 November 2002. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2009.
  7. ↑ "Demystifying Black Magic: Mayong Village Museum and Research Centre, Assam". RAIOT. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Beyond Magic: Assam's Mayong Pobitora Eyes New Tourism Identity". TimesNow. 27 September 2026. Retrieved 5 October 2026.