Jhākri

Jhākri (

Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, which border Nepal. The practice of using a Jhaakri as a channel or medium by a Hindu god or goddess to give solutions or answers to the questions of devotees is known as, "dhaamee (Nepali

: धामी)" in Nepali.

Jhākri shamanism or dhaamee is practiced among numerous

Khas.^[1] Belief in spirits is prevalent, hence also the fear of spirit possession.^[2]

Some vernacular words form jhākri are phedangbo in the Limbu language, Nakchhong, Mangpa/Bijuwa in Rai, and boongthing in Lepcha.

Jhākris perform rituals during weddings, funerals, and harvests. They diagnose and cure diseases. They are also known for performing a form of voluntary spirit possession, whereby they allow the supposed spirit of the dead to possess them for a brief time thereby allowing family members to communicate for a brief period of time. The practice is called "Chinta". Their practices are influenced by

Bön rites.^[3]

Mostly, Jhakri use pray items like dhyāngro, a traditional frame drum made up of animal leather banded in a hallow wood on both side, bells connected by rope. They use Mantra in Tibetan language or their own native language.

Notes

^ Gulia 2005, pp. 153–4
^ Gulia 2005, p. 152
^ Gulia 2005, p. 168

References

Gulia, Kuldip Singh (2005). Human Ecology of Sikkim: A Case Study of Upper Rangit Basin.
ISBN 81-7835-325-3
.

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[1] Gulia 2005, pp. 153–4

[2] Gulia 2005, p. 152

[3] Gulia 2005, p. 168

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References