Known as the Valley of Death, the diminutive town of Jatinga in Assam is the site of an annual mass bird death that has puzzled scientists for years. Locals have long believed that the seemingly suicidal birds were livid spirits from the sky come to torment them.
Deep in the heart of Assam's Dima Hasao district lies a diminutive village shrouded in mystery and surrounded by disturbing legends. This is Jatinga, a place where birds fall from the sky in droves and strange lights twinkle in the darkness. For years, scientists, researchers, poets and curious tourists have tried to discover the secrets of this mysterious village, but the truth still remains elusive.
Some believe the diminutive town of Jatinga, home to just 2,500 people, is a cursed place, haunted by the spirits of the dead. Others say it is a vortex of strange energies that draw birds and other creatures to their doom.
The Mystery of Jating: Birds Committing Suicide
Jatinga is known for its strange phenomenon of birds committing suicide and has been going on for at least a century. Every year, between August and November, between 7pm and 10pm, hundreds of birds fall to the ground in Jatinga. It is said that this happens mostly on moonless and foggy nights.
It's a strange sight that has puzzled researchers for years. The birds involved are usually migratory species that come from the Himalayas. Birds affected include the tiger bunting, the black bittern, and the great egret.
Theories on Bird Suicide
Local tribes initially believed this natural phenomenon to be spirits flying from the sky to terrorize them, and it is also believed to be behind the deaths of many people who jumped to their deaths on bamboo poles. Many studies over the years have debunked the bird suicide theory, but it is said to actually be a village slaughtering birds to eat them.
There are many theories regarding bird suicides in Jatinga. Some believe that the birds are attracted to the lights in the village and become disoriented, leading to their deaths. It could also be the wind that makes them head towards the lights to safety, but they are hit by bamboo sticks on the way down and die.
Others believe that the birds are driven to suicide by a magnetic force that emanates from the hills surrounding Jatinga. However, none of these theories have been scientifically proven.
Legends and myths related to Jatinga
Jatinga is steeped in legends and myths that add to its mysterious aura. One of the most popular legends associated with Jatinga is that it is a cursed place. It is also said that this is why the villagers set up bamboo poles, who were afraid of the birds, which they believed were evil spirits sent from the sky to harm them, and it was more of a protective measure as the birds were attracted to the lights of the village. Or whatever it is that makes birds fall from the sky.
According to legend, a powerful witch cursed the village, causing birds to fall from the sky. It is said that the witch was angered by the villagers who refused to facilitate her when she was in need. Another legend has it that Jatinga is the gateway to the underworld, and the birds falling from the sky are the spirits of the dead trying to communicate with the living.
The Enduring Mystery of Jating
Jatinga is a place that continues to amaze scientists, researchers and tourists alike. The strange phenomenon of bird suicides, haunted places and legends have made it an enigmatic place that attracts people from all over the world. While the truth behind the mysteries of Jatinga may never be fully understood, one thing is for sure: it is a place that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to delve into its secrets.
References:
Jatinga Dima Hasao Assam – Best Bird Watching Place in Assam
Jatinga – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A miniature village called Jatinga in Assam is one of the most terrifying places on Earth
Image Source: Pixabay.com
