Mawphlang Sacred Forest of Khasi Tribe, Shillong, Meghalaya HD

Why you must visit the Sacred Grove (or Law Kyntang) of Hima Mawphlang in Shillong? Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited this place in May 2016! The road to Mawphlang: About 25 kilometers from Shillong in the “Abode of the Clouds” of Meghalaya, nestled in the Khasi hills and preserved by traditional religious sanction lies the remarkable Mawphlang Sacred Forest. Spread over 192 acres, the Sacred Grove is in sharp contrast to the surrounding green grasslands and is rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis Kurzii trees. The entrance is protected by 3 monolith stones similar to menhirs. The local Khasi tribe has been preserving this forest for thousands of years and believe it to be the abode of the local deity called Labasa, who protects the forest. This Forest is guarded by one strict rule – “Nothing is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove, not even a leaf, a stone or a dead log”. Network of interconnected trees: The Forest reveals an astonishing network of interconnected plants and trees, some of which are believed to be more than 1000 years old. The splendid flora presents a dramatic visual spectacle and worth capturing in digital memory.Over the years the forest ground has got a thick cover of hummus that supports growth of myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else. Rudraksh tree, mushrooms, ferns, pines and other plant species: There are several Rudraksh tree inside the grove, the seeds of which are used in religious ceremonies. The Sacred forest has rich flora of colourful mushrooms, pipers, ferns, orchids and endemic plants some of which are believed to pocesses medicinal properties. Locals believe some plants have the ability to cure TB and cancer.One of the peculiar plants that can be easily spotted inside is a Lily Cobra, which has a leaf and a twig that looks like head of the cobra. Monoliths and sacrifice places: Animal sacrifices are performed for the deity at stone temples inside the forest.The sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity protects the village. The local lore says that in 1970, the Army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest but were unable to do so as the truck didn’t start even after trying multiple times. These are monoliths or stone temples inside the forest. Locals visit these stone temples to pray, elect kings and discuss important matters concerning the tribe. Animal sacrifices are offered to the forest Gods at these stone temples as thanksgiving when the devotee’s prayers are answered or when a new King is elected. The sprawling forest comes alive during the 3 day monolith festival organized by Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum to celebrate Mei Ramew (mother nature). The Sacred Forest attracts tourists because of its physical beauty, sheer majesty, its many legends and folklore myths. Locals believe one cannot disrespect the forest rules else the deity would get angry. This belief has helped preserve the eco diver