SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS AMONG PAHARIES [HILLY TRIBES] OF JAMMU DIVISION] !
The paharies believe in superstitions having become victim of 'ghosts','dains and churials [evil spirits]'.In certain diseases like Hysteria,Epilepsy and some of the Gynecological problems,the women in particular become unconscious and the story goes round that such and such women is under the influence of supposed evil spirits.I have been personally witness to such many cases,during my posting in District Poonch and Rajouri [nearly 22 years]. The women in question behave indifferently and cry producing different sounds with violent jerks of the body.They start trembling in such an odd situation and in majority of such cases,their relatives seek the help of Piers,Jogies and Darvesh instead of any nearest medical facility,though of late some logical awakening has taken place among some section of the Paharies.These superstitions are still quite common both among the Hindus and Muslims of hilly population. In order to establish his 'professional expertise' ,the experts dealing with supposed evil spirits dress and behave abnormally.Some times they burn red chilies in the fire port and place it before the nose of sufferer,while reciting phrases,which others can hardly understand or question.Some times they beat the victim black and blue and some times they create such fear psyche threat that the sufferers take their word so seriously and accordingly all of sudden the victim starts uttering that he or she is indeed an evil spirit.As part of established practice and legacy,Darvesh or Jogi,are presented black cloth,black Cock, piece of iron and cash[Rs 11/51/101/501 or even 1001] for their services.Among the Hindu ladies,some pronounce themselves 'Mata or Devi' on specific times or days.The whole ritual called locally Chowki [religious prayer] ,is basically process of hallucination ,under which supposed Devi issues sermons in native language,concerning problems of devotees.In Pahari villages,the children wear Jantar or taweez so that no evil spirit takes them into their 'clutches'.
The paharies believe in superstitions having become victim of 'ghosts','dains and churials [evil spirits]'.In certain diseases like Hysteria,Epilepsy and some of the Gynecological problems,the women in particular become unconscious and the story goes round that such and such women is under the influence of supposed evil spirits.I have been personally witness to such many cases,during my posting in District Poonch and Rajouri [nearly 22 years]. The women in question behave indifferently and cry producing different sounds with violent jerks of the body.They start trembling in such an odd situation and in majority of such cases,their relatives seek the help of Piers,Jogies and Darvesh instead of any nearest medical facility,though of late some logical awakening has taken place among some section of the Paharies.These superstitions are still quite common both among the Hindus and Muslims of hilly population. In order to establish his 'professional expertise' ,the experts dealing with supposed evil spirits dress and behave abnormally.Some times they burn red chilies in the fire port and place it before the nose of sufferer,while reciting phrases,which others can hardly understand or question.Some times they beat the victim black and blue and some times they create such fear psyche threat that the sufferers take their word so seriously and accordingly all of sudden the victim starts uttering that he or she is indeed an evil spirit.As part of established practice and legacy,Darvesh or Jogi,are presented black cloth,black Cock, piece of iron and cash[Rs 11/51/101/501 or even 1001] for their services.Among the Hindu ladies,some pronounce themselves 'Mata or Devi' on specific times or days.The whole ritual called locally Chowki [religious prayer] ,is basically process of hallucination ,under which supposed Devi issues sermons in native language,concerning problems of devotees.In Pahari villages,the children wear Jantar or taweez so that no evil spirit takes them into their 'clutches'.
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