Assam to host unique Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival at Morigaon historically known for its black-magic

Guwahati: Assam has embarked upon an ambitious plan to showcase its age-old magic also known as black magic of Mayong by hosting the Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival in Assam’s Morigaon district.

Informing that the Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival, scheduled for August 18, will have magical traditions, local arts, and unique cultural elements, Morigaon District Commissioner Debasish Sharma told reporters that this festival aims to transform the historic Mayong-Pobitora area into a major tourist destination.

He said, “The event will feature a vibrant, day-long programme, beginning with a grand cultural procession highlighting the region’s magical traditions, local arts, and unique cultural elements.”

The festival will also include a photo exhibition titled ‘The Magic of Mayong’, offering an immersive look into the area’s rich magical heritage. The local magicians from Mayong will showcase their crafts, followed by a captivating performance by renowned magician Jadu Samrat Bikram. The evening will conclude with a closing ceremony where a special commemorative souvenir detailing Mayong’s cultural and magical history will also be released.

Mr Sharma said that this inaugural event would mark the start of a preparatory phase. “Future editions are planned to expand into a week-long celebration, attracting magicians from across India and potentially international visitors,” he added.

He hoped that the festival would promote Mayong and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its highest density of one-horned rhinoceros, alongside other regional attractions.

The name ‘Mayong’ is rich in folklore, believed to be derived from ‘Maya’, meaning illusion. Once regarded as a land of black magic, Mayong has now embraced white magic, associated with positive and beneficial aspects. Despite modern advancements, Mayong’s magical heritage remains a unique and rare element in India.

He reiterated that the Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival would help in preserving and promoting this heritage, providing a new avenue for tourism.

It will feature demonstrations of both black and white magic, along with historical mantras once common in Mayong. While mantras such as Thumuri Ban, Tekeli Ban, and Atma Bandhani were historically prevalent, modern mantras like Mahal Bandha and those for healing are still in use.

The festival will present these mythical mantras and magical practices, showcasing Mayong's rich heritage in a fresh light.

Mr Sharma was of the view that it would be one of the first magic-focused tourism festivals in India.