Mawphlang Sacred Forest is perched on the East Khasi Hills near Mawphlang village in Mawphlang is located 25 kilometers from Shillong.
Mawphlang sacred forest is believed to be the most sacred among all the sacred forests is the whole Meghalaya, it is guarded by one strict rule – ‘NOTHING is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove. Not even a leaf, stone or a dead log’. Failing to comply may lead to death. The local Khasi tribes have been preserving this forest for thousands of years, and believe it to be the abode of the local deity, called Labasa. The tribal people have a firm belief that Labasa protects this forest and their community from any mishap. The deity takes on the form of leopard or tiger, and protects the village. To maintain favors or appease the local deity, the villagers make animal sacrifices in the stone temples located within the forest.