IJSP is an International, Peer Reviewed/ Refereed, Indexed, Open Access, Online Journal of Arts and Social Sciences. IJSP invites original research paper and book review submissions for publication in Volume 12, Issue 01, scheduled for release on March 31, 2025. Last Date of the Submission is 28 February

Superstition in the Oraon Society

Seeta Bhandari Paudel

Affiliations:

Associate. Professor & Head, Dept of Nepalese History, Culture & Archaeology, Trichandra Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu NEPAL

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The Oraons believe in supernatural beings. They have superstitious practices in the form of the witchcraft, evil eye, evil spirit, exorcizing rituals by spirit doctors (Dhami), mantras, etc. They also believe in omens, wearing of amulets and auspicious or inauspicious days. Poor widowed women are sometimes tormented cruelly blaming them of witchcraft. Although the Oraon’s views are changing against the superstitious practices, still a large number of Oraons look up to Dhamis or Ojhas for their physical healing. So an attempt has been made to describe the superstitions prevalent in the Oraon society of Nepal.

Keywords:
Danda Katta, Dharmes, Nad, Nepal, Spirit doctor, Superstition, Witchcraft

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