Shaman fair held to protect Eastern Rukum village

By Our Correspondent,Rukum (East), July 21: Locals of Lugum village in Bhume Rural Municipality-1, Eastern Rukum, held their traditional annual Jhankri Mela (Shaman Festival) on Saturday as part of efforts to protect the village from natural disasters and evil spirits.

The village, nestled among high mountains along the Mid-Hill Highway, hosts this spiritual gathering during the first week of Shrawan (mid-July), depending on whether Tuesday or Saturday arrives first. This year, the fair fell on Saturday.

Though modern views consider shamans and spiritual healers to be part of outdated superstition, for the locals, this ritual remains a vital part of their cultural identity. Dozens of jhankris (traditional healers) assemble under towering pine trees near the village’s eastern edge to perform spiritual rituals believed to ward off misfortune.

According to local lore, a malevolent spirit named Kana Surpange used to terrorise villagers passing through the area. To counter this, a shaman named Ramjali Ghartimagar reportedly subdued the spirit by trapping it in the earth with rituals. Since then, the annual fair has been held to ensure the spirit remains dormant.

“Natural disasters are more frequent during the monsoon,” said local leader Man Prasad Pun Magar. “This annual ritual is our way of spiritually safeguarding the village.” During the event, shamans perform dances and rituals using traditional attire and drums (dhyangro), drawing both villagers and visitors from outside the area.

Lugum is home to around 70 shamans, all of whom participate in the festival, making it a rare and colourful cultural display.