What is the Mawphlang Sacred Grove and how is it protected?

The Mawphlang Sacred Grove is an ancient forest in Meghalaya, India, preserved for centuries not by laws or fencing, but by deeply rooted belief systems and customary laws of the Khasi people.

What are the rules for visitors at Mawphlang Sacred Grove?

Visitors to Mawphlang Sacred Grove are strictly required to take nothing out of the forest, not even a twig or a leaf, as it is believed to be guarded by a nature deity.

What is the cultural significance of Mawphlang Sacred Grove?

The grove is culturally significant as it is marked by ancient monoliths, which served as landmarks for Khasi rituals and community meetings, continuing its role as a living site for traditions and festivals.

Home / Environment / Sacred Forest: Nature's Law Rules Ancient Meghalaya Grove

Sacred Forest: Nature's Law Rules Ancient Meghalaya Grove

9 Feb

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Summary

Ancient forest thrives on belief, not laws or fences.
Visitors must leave with nothing, not even a twig.
Monoliths mark this living site of Khasi traditions.

Sacred Forest: Nature's Law Rules Ancient Meghalaya Grove

The Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills stands as an extraordinary testament to living conservation, protected for centuries by deeply ingrained belief systems. Located approximately 25 kilometers from Shillong, this ancient forest has evaded fencing or formal legislation, relying instead on traditions passed through generations.

Visitors are prohibited from removing any natural element, including twigs or leaves, a rule enforced by the customary laws of the Khasis who believe the forest is guarded by a nature deity. This strict adherence has preserved the grove, which functions as a natural archive of Meghalaya's original forest cover.

Ecologically, the 80-hectare grove hosts ancient trees and diverse wildlife, while its cultural significance is underscored by nearby ancient stone monuments. These monoliths served as landmarks for rituals and community gatherings, emphasizing Mawphlang's enduring role as a living site for Khasi traditions and festivals.