Unveiling the Mystical Spirits of Assam: From the Folklore and Legends

**Poruwa** The **Poruwa** is a haunting, disembodied voice spirit from Assamese folklore. Found most commonly at crossroads, the Poruwa is believed to mislead and confuse travelers. Its voice can be heard calling out from the shadows, and those who listen are drawn further from their path, eventually becoming lost in the wilderness. The Poruwa is not a physically malevolent spirit but creates a sense of isolation and fear in the lost wanderer. It has been said that those who follow the voice may lose their way permanently. Some accounts even say that the Poruwa can lead people into dangerous situations, such as cliffs or water, where they may face physical harm. Crossroads, in Assamese culture, are considered liminal spaces where supernatural forces are particularly strong, making them a hotspot for Poruwa's trickery. # Puwali Bhoot The **Puwali Bhoot** is a mischievous spirit of Assamese folklore, often depicted as a small, ethereal ghost that plays pranks on humans. This spirit has an affinity for food, especially sweets. It sneaks into kitchens at night, hiding or stealing food, and often causes confusion by moving items around. While the Puwali Bhoot does not pose a serious threat, its actions cause frustration and irritation, especially in households where food is scarce. In some variations of the myth, the Puwali Bhoot is also said to be able to create sleep-like spells, making people drowsy and foggy-headed, leading them to forget tasks or lose their possessions. This spirit is considered relatively harmless and sometimes brings a touch of humor to ghost stories. # Bira **Bira** is a terrifying female spirit in Assam known for her harmful actions, particularly towards newborns and children. Bira is said to appear at night, causing extreme distress, crying, and even physical injury to babies. Often associated with poltergeist-like activity, she is believed to possess a child, inducing violent fits and terrible behavior. In more specific tales, she is said to leave bite marks on her victims or drain their vitality. While her appearance is associated with evil, in some stories, Bira is a manifestation of unfulfilled maternal love or grief, which fuels her violent tendencies. Some communities hold rituals to ward her off, especially around childbirth, to ensure babies and mothers are not harmed. # Burha Dangoriya The **Burha Dangoriya** is a protective, ancient spirit from Assam's rural communities, often linked to sacred groves and forests. He is seen as an elderly man draped in white clothing, symbolizing purity and wisdom. The Burha Dangoriya is revered as a guardian spirit who ensures that forests are respected and preserved. Those who enter sacred forest spaces without the proper rituals or intentions risk invoking his wrath. The Burha Dangoriya is generally benevolent to those who respect nature, and it is believed he will offer protection or guidance to those lost in the forest. However, if the natural world is harmed or sacred spaces are violated, the spirit becomes vengeful, causing sickness or bad luck until the balance is restored. # Gaon Roja The **Gaon Roja** is a guardian spirit of villages in Assam. This spirit is often depicted as a figure who rides a ghostly white horse and is believed to protect the village from external threats or supernatural forces. The Gaon Roja is an unseen entity during the day but is said to manifest at night, ensuring the safety of villagers. According to folklore, the Gaon Roja watches over every aspect of village life and protects the community from natural disasters, illnesses, and even malevolent spirits. The spirit’s presence is especially felt during times of crisis or when the village faces a potential attack or misfortune. To honor the Gaon Roja, villagers perform specific ceremonies, ensuring his protection is always maintained. # Chekama The **Chekama** is a dangerous spirit from Karbi folklore, known for its shape-shifting abilities and its association with water. This spirit is typically portrayed as a large, dark shadow capable of appearing in many forms, including that of a frightening animal or a massive, monstrous figure. The Chekama is especially feared due to its hypnotic powers, which allow it to lure victims into dangerous situations. It is said that anyone who stares at the Chekama falls under its control, with the spirit leading them to places where they can be harmed. This spirit is most active near bodies of water, where it dwells and waits for an opportunity to strike. To protect oneself from the Chekama, offerings are made to water deities, and certain rituals must be performed. # Daulas The **Daulas** are spirits known for their mischievous, yet sometimes terrifying, nature. Found mostly in the bamboo forests of Assam, these spirits take the form of shadowy figures and are believed to harass travelers. They enjoy causing mischief and chaos, often by stealing food or confusing people by mimicking sounds or voices. However, the Daulas can become much more dangerous if provoked, using bamboo sticks to strike at their victims. Some folklore suggests that the Daulas are former humans who were cursed to live in the forest, and they seek revenge on anyone who enters their territory without showing proper respect. To avoid them, travelers are advised to offer respect to the natural world and avoid disturbing the forest. # Dohts The **Dohts** are dangerous spirits that dwell in Assam's wetlands and marshes. They are often depicted as tall, gaunt figures with slippery, oily skin and long claws capable of inflicting harm. The Dohts are known for their ability to sense fear, and when they detect it, they will actively hunt those who are frightened. These spirits are believed to haunt the swamps, waiting to drag unsuspecting humans into the water. They are relentless and are said to feast on human flesh and fish alike. The Dohts are associated with the eerie quietness of the marshlands and are believed to be drawn to water, where they wait for their next victim. # Baak The **Baak** is a terrifying monster spirit known for its immense size and hunger. Often linked to dense, remote forests and rivers in Assam, the Baak is described as a gigantic, beast-like creature with a monstrous appearance. It has a particular appetite for both animals and humans, and is feared for its ability to drag its victims into the water and drown them. The Baak is often depicted as an animal spirit, a terrifying predator that hunts those who venture too close to its domain. According to legends, it waits in the shadows of dense forests, emerging at night to hunt. Its enormous size and terrifying strength make it one of the most feared spirits in the region. # Khetor and Khetori The **Khetor** and **Khetori** are shapeshifting spirits in Assamese folklore, with various interpretations depending on the community. Among the Bodo people, Khetors are believed to trouble children by causing nightmares and illnesses, including epilepsy and blood loss. They are said to take the form of ferocious animals in dreams. In the Karbi tradition, Khetors are known for their terrifying traits, including long, flexible tongues and glowing foreheads. The Rabha tribe believes that there are five distinct types of Khetors, each with specific characteristics and rituals for appeasement. Some Khetors are also known to steal newborn calves or cause miscarriages, while others are believed to possess an erotic and dangerous nature, leading to harm or death for those who fall under their spell. # Khuba and Khubi In Assamese folklore, **Khuba** and **Khubi** are two flame-demons born from the fiery cries of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. These spirits are often associated with marriage and are believed to cause strife and discord between newlywed couples. They are said to lie in wait at the junctions of three roads, ready to possess the newlyweds and ignite a series of quarrels. The flames of discord they create can cause irreparable damage to relationships. However, if a special ritual is performed on the third day after the wedding, the couple can appease the spirits and avoid their harmful influence. Without this intervention, the marriage is believed to be doomed to failure and unhappiness. # Morakon The **Morakon** is a small spirit used by ojhas (sorcerers) in Assam. Resembling a gourd with large eyes, the Morakon is typically a harmless entity that helps the ojha in performing tasks. Often used as a familiar, the Morakon can run errands, deliver messages, or even give people a fright. While it is not dangerous, it can be an annoyance when used to scare individuals. Some stories suggest that the Morakon is capable of causing mild discomfort or fear, but its primary role is to serve its master and assist in ritualistic practices. It is often considered an unthreatening spirit in Assamese supernatural lore. # Mudmudiya-Gudgudiya Bhoot The **Mudmudiya-Gudgudiya Bhoot**, also known as the **Luli Bhoot**, is a strange and comical ghost. Without arms or legs, it rolls along the ground, making it one of the most unusual spirits in Assamese folklore. The Mudmudiya-Gudgudiya Bhoot is known for speaking in gibberish, a language that even other spirits cannot understand. While it is often portrayed as a figure of comic relief, it can also possess people, leading to temporary disability or madness. These ghosts are active at night and during other in-between times, such as twilight or noon. Despite their eerie nature, these ghosts are generally harmless, though they are still a source of fright for those who encounter them. # Samon The **Samon** is a spirit that resides in the **sam** or **cham** tree and is known for its aversion to noise. The Samon despises disturbance and will punish those who disrespect its tree by losing their ability to speak. Anyone who disturbs the Samon—whether by cutting a branch, urinating near the tree, or talking too loudly—will find themselves cursed with muteness. The curse can only be lifted through a complex exorcism involving chants, offerings, and rituals to appease the spirit. The Samon represents the sacredness of nature and the importance of maintaining harmony with the natural world. # Uka The **Uka**, also called Guloi or Dhonguloi, is a spirit associated with fields and buried treasure. By day, the Uka is incorporeal, but by night, it transforms into a large bird resembling the adjutant stork, known for feeding on carrion. The Uka is said to be able to emit glowing flames from its mouth. While the Uka generally does not harm humans, it is advised not to run from one if you encounter multiple in the sky, as they may sense fear and attack, targeting your eyes. The Uka is also believed to guard hidden treasures, and those who try to steal from it face dire consequences. Some believe that the Uka is a manifestation of the guardian spirit of the land, representing both the dangers and mysteries of the earth. PS: I cannot fully vouch for the accuracy or correctness of the descriptions above, as they are based on a combination of stories I have heard, along with information gathered from various books and articles I have read. These sources may differ in their interpretations or details, as folklore and legends often vary depending on the region, cultural context, and storyteller. Therefore, while I’ve tried to present them as faithfully as possible, it’s important to consider that these descriptions may not be universally agreed upon or entirely precise.