In Nepal, witch doctors are individuals believed to possess supernatural powers and the ability to heal various ailments through traditional methods. These practices have been part of the country's cultural fabric for centuries, deeply rooted in a mix of Hindu and folk beliefs. The concept of witch doctors centers around the belief in spirits and divine intervention in the physical world. **Witch doctors**, also known as "dhamis" or "jhankris," play a crucial role in Nepalese society as they are looked upon for guidance, healing, and spiritual protection. They are highly respected and sought-after, especially in rural areas where modern medicine may be inaccessible or too expensive. People often consult witch doctors when faced with chronic illnesses, emotional troubles, or life's problems.
Witch doctor: Shaman Paltan Mukhiya claims he gains his power from the Goddess Durga who visits him in his dreams. Believers come to him to help them treat their illness or in hope of falling pregnant with a son instead of a daughter
Strong beliefs Hindu pilgrims travel in a tractor to attend the Ghost Festival where shamans perform rituals in an attempt to heal those believed to be possessed by evil spirits, claiming that only they can expel the unwanted possession. Mrs Devi Chaudhary performs a ritual in front of a picture of her lineage god or family deity at her home in Rajaur village in Dhanusha district, Nepal, ahead of the Ghost Festival.
People often consult witch doctors when faced with chronic illnesses, emotional troubles, or life's problems. The methods used by witch doctors vary, but they often involve an intricate blend of rituals, chants, herbal remedies, and divination techniques. **Herbal remedies** are a significant aspect of their practice, as they believe that the earth's natural resources hold curative properties.
Village that relies on witch doctor’s ‘cure’
Seventy-five-year-old Chheju Tamang of Gati VDC in Sindhupalchok has been suffering from persistent fever for the past several months. Besides fever, she also has cold and breathing difficulty.
Cheeju has not gone to see a doctor yet. She has no intention of seeing one. Her preferred recourse at this time of ill health is one Bir Bahadur Tamang, a popular witch doctor in the area.
After seeing Cheeju, Bir Bahadur decides her suffering is caused by some evil spirit. The cure, he decides, is beating a double-sided drum in her front yard. Bir Bahadur has built quite a reputation in the village as a healer. Sought-after by every sick and infirm, he is never short of clients.
Seventy-eight-year-old Choiduku Tamang suffers from chronic asthma and he has made a point of seeing Bir Bahadur for treatment. He has been in Bir Bahadur’s waiting list for the past one week.
“There are many ill people in the village. I’ve been helping them get better,” Bir Bahadur said.
He believes in what he does and so does many villagers.
The closest health post from Gati is a six hours walk to Dadakateri. People rarely visit there. They are happy with Bir Bahadur who makes house calls.
Bhim Bahadur Tamang, a local man, says Gati is not the only village that rely on witch doctors in times of illness.
Witch doctors are also widely counselled by the people in other villages like Dharpakahani, Anthali, Golchi, and Mandra.
Bhim Bahadur says since the health facility is far off , the sick villagers naturally see witch doctors instead of real doctors. Moreover, he adds, the health post at Dadakateri is always having a shortage of medicines.
“I recently took my ill wife to the health post. But we had to return after learning that there were no medicines,” Bhim Bahadur said.
According to Tanka Sherpa, chairman of Health Post Management Committee, besides the proximity factor, the villagers’ dependency on witch doctors has also been influenced by the fact that the health post at Dadakateri faces several operational hiccups. “There are some outstanding disputes regarding the operation of the health post that have led to the shortage of medicines and essential services,” he said.
Anish Tiwari
Anish Tiwari is the Sindhupalchok correspondent for Kantipur Publications.
Witch doctors gather and prepare these herbal remedies, utilizing their knowledge of the medicinal properties passed down through generations. Divination techniques, such as reading sacred texts, palms, or using astrology, are used by **witch doctors** to gain insights into a person's condition or future. By understanding the energies and forces at play, they can prescribe the appropriate course of treatment or suggest actions to overcome challenges. **Belief in spirits** is a key foundation of the witch doctor's work. They believe that good and evil spirits, or deities, influence human lives and can cause illness or misfortune. Witch doctors often communicate with these spirits through trance-like states, allowing them to diagnose and treat various conditions. Despite the efficacy of modern medicine, the practice of witch doctors continues to thrive in Nepal due to its deep cultural significance and the people's faith in their abilities. Many Nepalese view them as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical worlds, providing a sense of comfort, healing, and belonging. It is important to note that while witch doctors are highly respected figures in Nepalese society, their practices are not scientifically proven or regulated. As a result, the effectiveness of their treatments can vary, and there may be instances where individuals are misdiagnosed or mistreated. It is crucial for individuals seeking medical assistance to consider a range of options and consult licensed healthcare professionals as necessary. Nevertheless, the witch doctor tradition remains an integral part of Nepal's cultural heritage..
Reviews for "Witch Doctors in Nepal: A Deeper Look into their Magickal Practices"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
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