Facts and History
Mawpflang Scared Forest , Meghalaya
Mawpflang Sacred Forest, Meghalaya
Introduction:
It was the 18th of January 2024, and one of my friends and I had planned to visit the Mawpflang Forest in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. It was a memorable trip. I had been watching videos on YouTube and was really curious to understand this forest and its history, yet we successfully made it there. Upon reaching the main entrance of our destination, we booked our tickets, and the price was reasonable. After entering the place, all we could experience was the expansive field against the backdrop of hills, a clear blue sky, and a chilly winter wind. As we progressed, another booth required us to show our tickets, and a guide was assigned to us. He was very talented and of a young age.
Then we headed to the main entrance, from where the trek into the forest begins. Upon reaching there, we were told by our guide that the forest is actually divided into three parts, and the part we were about to explore was the middle section
Mawpflang Sacred Forest, Meghalaya, is a hidden gem and a must-visit place. The forest is not so dense, and I would say it’s not exactly a trek but a walk into the forest, exploring the trees, shrubs, and flowers, and understanding the facts, history, and intriguing tales of the place intertwined with local culture. This forest is 800 years old, and the area is 200 acres full of crunchy leaves, mossy fragrances, and towering ancient trees. It was an immersion into a living, breathing entity revered by the Khasi community
Spiritual Symphony:
As we explored the forest, our guide unraveled the spiritual symphony resonating within the ancient woods. The forest, he explained, is not just a backdrop for rituals; it is the sanctuary. Sacred stones, known as “lawkyntang,” stood sentinel, weaving stories of protection against malevolent spirits and maintaining the sacred energy. As we walked around, massive stones strategically placed throughout the forest served as guardians, preserving its sanctity. Each stone had a legend, a testament to centuries of Khasi traditions. Mawpflang’s stones whispered tales of a time when nature and culture danced in harmony.
Our guide also expressed concerns about the modern challenges facing the forest—deforestation, climate change, and encroachment. The delicate equilibrium between tradition and progress faced its share of threats.
Our exploration into the woods was not just about nature; we were also informed about its cultural revelation, our guide also shared insights into the unique gender dynamics of the Khasi people, where girls lead families and men lead society. The approach to marriage, founded on love rather than arranged unions, was something we found very interesting.
An important message for those visiting this forest is that, amidst the beauty, we were told to take nothing from the forest except photos and memories. The Khasi people believe that even a leaf taken away could anger the spirits. It added a layer of reverence to our journey, emphasizing the importance of ethical trekking
An interesting thing happened—I love to whistle in a playful manner whenever I see cute puppies or kittens, just to call them near me. I did the same while coming out of the forest. However, my guide’s reaction was very different. Out of astonishment at my whistling, he revealed that, in Khasi tradition, girls are not allowed to whistle. It was a delightful yet unexpected insight into the intricacies of their culture. But I found it interesting
Later on, as the trek ended and we called it a day, I couldn’t help but appreciate our guide for his tireless efforts. His passion for the forest and the beautiful photographs he captured were a testament to his dedication. Our walk had transformed into a journey full of memories, thanks to our guides skill and enthusiasm.
On our way out, we also had the chance to buy some fresh Rudraksha, which is related to Shiva, the God of Destruction in Hinduism, and the God of Patience, Love, and Attraction. I got two Rudrakshas—one is 2-faced and one is 4-faced—and later they gave me one for free, which is a 3-faced one. Our guide explained that the 2-faced one is for love and marriage, while the 4-faced one is for the fulfillment of dreams, education, and jobs.
As I conclude my blog here, I would say the Mawpflang Sacred Forest is a timeless beauty with cultural richness that left an indelible mark on me. As I bid farewell, the symphony of nature, the wisdom of ancient stones, and the warmth of Khasi traditions lingered—a reminder of the delicate dance between humanity and the natural world. If you visit this place, you won’t regret it. For me, my overall experience was great, and I will visit again. If you liked my writing and want to share your experience, or if you find any information incorrect, please feel free to comment in the box below. I would love to know.
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